California declares emergency over chemical tank leak near Los Angeles

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for Orange County as authorities race to mitigate the risk of an explosion from a leaking chemical tank.

"Emergency crews continue to work to mitigate or eliminate the risk of explosion," Newsom posted on X, formerly Twitter. The alert comes after a leak was discovered Saturday at a massive chemical tank containing 26,000 liters of flammable liquid. Officials warn that an explosion could release toxic fumes, threatening the densely populated region.

The declaration of emergency allows the state to access additional federal resources and funding to manage the crisis. Around 40,000 residents in the vicinity have already been evacuated. Many are seeking shelter in hotels, their vehicles, or designated emergency accommodations, while others have left the evacuation zone entirely.

Authorities are continuing their efforts to contain the situation and prevent a potential disaster, emphasizing the ongoing danger posed by the volatile chemicals.

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Emergency crews continue to work to mitigate or eliminate the risk of explosion.