Rescuers Work To Clear China Blast Site of Chemicals Before Rain Falls

"Chinese soldiers and rescue workers in gas masks and hazard suits searched for toxic materials in China's port of Tianjin on Sunday as Premier Li Keqiang arrived to offer condolences, days after explosions flattened part of a national development zone.

The goal is to clear the chemicals before any rain falls, which could create further toxic gas.

The death toll rose to 112 from Wednesday's disaster, which sent massive yellow and orange fireballs into the sky, hurled burning debris across a vast industrial area, crumpled cars and shipping containers, burnt out buildings and shattered windows of nearby apartments.

The number of missing rose to 95, most of them fire fighters, state media said, suggesting the toll would rise significantly. More than 720 people remained in hospital."

Megha Rajagopalan and Natalie Thomas report for Reuters August 17, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"China Tianjin Blasts: Evacuations as Sodium Cyanide Found" (BBC News)

"Tianjin Blasts Death Toll Rises To 114, 70 Missing" (Xinhua)

"China Orders Nationwide Safety Check After Tianjin Blasts" (WRAL)

"China Suspends Or Closes 50 Websites for 'Spreading Rumors' About Tianjin Blasts" (Shanghaiist)