The capsizing of a ship carrying 500 tons of phosphate in Qena has resulted in a state of extreme emergency being declared by Egypt’s Minister of Irrigation Hossam Moghazi.
According to Al-Ahram, the ship collided with a bridge’s foundation in the Upper Egyptian city, leading to it capsizing.
The Ministry of Irrigation declared the state of emergency as a precautionary measure as phosphate is not soluble in water.
However, the Ministry has affirmed that the Nile’s water will still be fit for human use and that samples extracted from the river at the site of the collision show “normal quality” of water.
Nevertheless, Egypt’s Ministry of Environment has set up a committee to investigate the phosphate spill.
According to a statement by the Egyptian cabinet, an operations room was also set up at the Environment Ministry to coordinate between the different ministries and to ensure investigations are accurate and succinct.
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1,000,000 pounds of phosphate. Think again.
Breathing difficulty (from inhalation)
Coughing
Throat swelling (which may also cause breathing difficulty)
Blood in the stool
Burns of the esophagus (food pipe) and stomach
Diarrhea
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting, possibly bloody
Drooling
Severe pain in the throat
Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue
Vision loss
Low blood pressure — develops rapidly
Collapse
Severe change in blood acid level
Shock
Burns
Hives
Holes in the skin or underlying tissue
Skin irritation