Rail blast’s effects could last years
International aid workers indicated the shipment might be too late for many of the injured.
In Beijing, the Red Cross issued an emergency appeal for help and warned the impact of the accident would be felt for years.
World Health Organisation aid worker Eigil Sorensen said one of the most pressing issues now was to determine what effect exposure to the fumes generated by the blast would have on thousands of North Koreans.
“Of course the major concern is the injured in hospital, but there is also growing concern on the possible effect ammonium nitrate will have on people,” he said.
“In the short-term it can cause irritations of the skin, throat and lungs. People exposed can develop reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen. It can cause breathing problems, collapse and eventual death. Thousands could be affected.”
The large number of patients meant an urgent need for anaesthetics and antibiotics as well as specialised hospital equipment, according to the Red Cross.
