India Issues Stay-At-Home Order for 600,000 Residents Due to 'Garbage Mountain' Fire
Bramapram Landfill Fire
Firefighters Collapse Due to Toxic Smoke Exposure
A massive fire broke out at a huge landfill site in southern India, prompting a stay-at-home order for 600,000 residents. Although the flames have been mostly contained, a large amount of toxic gas is being released, engulfing the city.
On the 7th (local time), US CNN and other media reported that a fire broke out on the 2nd at the Brahmapuram landfill in Kochi, a port city in Kerala, India, known as the "mountain of garbage," and firefighters have been battling the blaze for five days.
According to reports, most of the fire has been extinguished, but thick smoke and methane gas are spreading throughout the area, causing severe secondary damage. Some firefighters deployed at the scene reportedly fainted after inhaling the smoke. Photos released show toxic smoke from the landfill covering the sky.
More than 600,000 residents live in this area. Authorities have advised citizens to stay indoors as much as possible and to wear 'N95' masks if they must go outside. The N95 mask corresponds to Korea's KF94 grade.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. However, it is believed likely that the fire was ignited by flammable gases released during the decomposition of the waste.
Meanwhile, according to a 2020 report by the European Union (EU) International Urban Cooperation Program, the Brahmapuram landfill covers an area of about 65,000 square meters and receives approximately 100 tons of plastic waste daily. Only about 1% of this is recyclable, causing the landfill to grow larger every day.
In particular, India has over 3,000 garbage mountains scattered across the country, including Brahmapuram. These garbage mountains not only spoil the urban landscape but also have a devastating impact on the local environment. Various harmful substances mixed with waste decompose and emit methane, carbon monoxide, and other gases.
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According to the Greenhouse Gas Satellite (GHGSat), which monitors environmental pollution via satellite, India's methane emissions are among the highest in the world. Additionally, toxic substances have been seeping into the ground for decades, causing further contamination.
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