California Governor Gavin Newsom noted that the president's decision will allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to direct personnel, equipment and specialized resources to the county to support life-saving efforts.
“California did not wait for the situation to escalate, we acted early, decisively and in close cooperation with local first responders to protect people's lives and support affected communities,” Newsom explained, as quoted by CBS News. He added that he was grateful to the federal government for strengthening the resources already working on the ground.
California spill
The leak occurred on Thursday at the GKN Aerospace plant in Garden Grove, where a damaged tank containing methyl methacrylate, a highly flammable and toxic substance, threatened to spill approx. chemicals and explosion. A rupture in the tank was discovered on Saturday, and an overnight pressure measurement operation began on Sunday. On Monday, authorities said the mission was a success and the risk of a massive explosion had been “completely averted.”
Mandatory evacuation orders covered almost 50,000. residents of Garden Grove, Buena Park, Anaheim, Stanton, Westminster and Cypress. Red Cross shelters are full or operating at near capacity.
The Orange County District Attorney has opened an investigation into GKN Aerospace, appealing to whistleblowers to come forward with information.
On Monday, county school districts announced plans for the coming week, as more than a dozen Garden Grove Unified School District campuses had already been closed on Friday. Savanna, Westminster and Cypress counties followed suit.
Garden Grove Unified's leadership said affected schools will transition to remote learning and students who cannot attend classes due to evacuations will not be subject to disciplinary action.
