California governor declares state of emergency over looming chemical disaster

United States: On 24 May 2026, the governor of California declared a state of emergency over a looming chemical disaster in the south of the state. A tank holding toxic chemicals was leaking and its temperature was rising, with a risk of explosion. Residents were told to leave their homes: CNN put the number at 50,000, France 24 at 40,000, and NPR wrote of thousands.

A hazmat team went inside the tank, and officials found a possible fissure or crack. A fire official said the potential crack may prevent an explosion. NPR wrote that the tank has cracked.