Pollution turns river red in central China

China: The Hubei province government in central China cut water supplies to some 200,000 people, as part of the Han River and its tributaries turned red and foamy due to pollution. Tests revealed elevated levels of ammonia, nitrogen and permanganate, a chemical used for metal cleaning, tanning and bleaching. The communities were dependent on emergency water supplies; five schools were closed, while others could not provide food to the students.

Source: Associated Press, 27 February 2008
Asian Casualty Report 10th Edition June 2008 – Gen Re