US base in South Korea reports white phosphorus leak; residents urged to evacuate

White Phosphorous leak in US base in South KoreaA white phosphorus leak has been reported at Osan Air Base, a US military installation in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, prompting authorities to urge nearby residents to evacuate.The leak occurred around 4.54 pm at the base in Seotan-myeon, according to fire and police authorities. Firefighters responded to a report of "suspected chemical leakage from a warhead," deploying nine units of equipment and 31 personnel to contain the site.White phosphorus is highly reactive and can spontaneously combust in air. Contact with skin can cause severe burns, and inhaling large amounts of smoke may be fatal. It is often used by the military to produce smoke screens during movement.Pyeongtaek City sent an emergency disaster message urging residents to "ev