California issued a state of emergency because of a gas disaster

California governor Jerry Brown on January 6 announced a state of emergency after gas leaked in Los Angeles City for more than two months, leaving thousands of people evacuated.

The Southern California gas company, which manages the leaked methane gas well, is trying to stop the situation by drilling an auxiliary well to access the damaged pipeline then spraying the liquid and solid sludge. An estimated 30,300 kg of methane is leaked every hour.

Image of gas leak at Aliso Canyon storage facility.(Photo: EPA).

The gas leak was discovered on October 23 at the gas well in the Aliso Canyon area, the San Fernando Valley, where about 30,000 people live. Thousands of people have fled their homes and come to live in the Southern California gas company's temporary shelter after many worrisome symptoms such as: nosebleeds, nausea and some diseases Other due to inhalation of gas leakage. Southern California gas company leadership, from Sempra Energy, said it hopes to prevent gas leakages by the end of February through March. On average, about 1,200 tons of methane gas are sprayed each days along with some other gases since the first time the gas storage well was leaked.

Against this situation, Brown called for alternative measures to prevent underground gas leaks if current efforts fail. At the same time, the governor also made other emergency regulations for gas storage facilities throughout California state.

Southern California gas company is focusing on preventing the leak.(Photo: AP).

Los Angeles City Council member Mitchell Englander said the gas leak was "one of the most devastating environmental disasters in California history".

Meanwhile, Dennis Arriola, president of Southern California gas company, said the company will focus on preventing leaks and minimizing damage to people. The company will also work with the California state government to improve the long-term effects of methane on the environment.