White foam covers section of Ky Cung River in Lang Son after accidental chemical spill

Residents living along the Ky Cung River in Lang Son province were surprised on the afternoon of July 3 to find a stretch of the river covered in thick white foam. The unusual phenomenon was first observed around noon that day, originating from a drainage outlet near the Dong Kinh park.

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I saw foam coming from the drain into the river, near the Dong Kinh park. From about noon until the afternoon, there was still foam.

Initial investigations by local authorities, including the Department of Economy, Infrastructure, and Urban Affairs of Dong Kinh ward, ruled out industrial discharge or serious pollution. Instead, the foam was traced to an accidental incident involving workers hired to clean an old house. While clearing the property, they discovered a white plastic can containing a liquid substance. Unsure of its nature, they poured it down a nearby drainage pipe.

Heavy rains in the preceding days caused a large volume of water to flow through the drainage system and into the river, carrying the substance with it and creating the extensive foam. According to Mr. Hoang Van Duc, head of the Dong Kinh ward department, the can was labeled as a "nano-foam agent." The rapid flow of rainwater exacerbated the effect, leading to the widespread foam that caught the attention of locals.

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These days it rains, the large amount of water and strong current washed this substance into the river, creating a lot of foam on the water surface.

Authorities have documented the incident and reminded those involved about proper waste disposal. Mr. Duc advised residents against pouring cleaning agents or substances of unknown composition into drains, emphasizing the need for proper collection and disposal by environmental services. While the incident appears to stem from a misunderstanding rather than intentional pollution, local officials are reinforcing awareness to prevent recurrence and calm public concerns.

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For detergents, foaming agents, or substances with unknown ingredients, people should not arbitrarily pour them down the drain. These substances need to be collected at designated locations for environmental sanitation units to collect and handle safely.