Villagers move out because of ammonia fumes

Star: LABIS: Ammonia discharged due to a chemical reaction at an illegal dumpsite has caused more than 350 villagers from Kampung Sungai Gatom to be evacuated.
The gas, believed to have resulted following heavy rains in the area over the past few days, has caused villagers to suffer from teary eyes, skin irritation, breathing difficulties, throat irritation and vomiting since 5pm on Sunday.
So far no one has been warded but some villagers have sought treatment at clinics.
At least 60% of the villager’s 600-odd residents have left their homes and moved in with relatives and friends living in nearby areas.
Initial investigations showed that the gas discharged has resulted after some unknown chemicals were buried about 500m from the main road leading into the village.
Senior officials from Department of Environment (DOE), Fire and Rescue Department and other agencies are at the location.
Segamat Fire and Rescue Department chief Masnan Ali said the department had dispatched 10 firemen in a fire engine as soon as they received a call at 5.19pm on Sunday.
He said a unit from the department’s Hazardous Materials Unit (Hazmat) was also stationed at the scene.
“We have already taken samples from the dumpsite to be sent to our laboratory in Johor Baru,” he said.