Industrial waste sickens hundreds in China

NANNING, China, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- At least 450 people have been sickened by drinking water contaminated when a typhoon hit southern China, causing industrial waste to poison a public supply.

The problem has affected two villages around Hechi City, Xinhua, the state-run news agency, said Friday. All 647 residents have been tested for arsenic poisoning, which had been found in only four.

Typhoon Hagupit, which hit Sept. 25, was accompanied by heavy rains and flooding. Arsenic-containing industrial pollutants overflowed into wells and ponds.

Villagers began showing symptoms of disease Oct. 3, including vomiting, blurred vision and facial swelling. Officials said most should recover quickly.

Most are being treated as outpatients, while 23 young children and 32 elderly people have been hospitalized as a precaution.