California governor declares state of emergency over looming chemical disaster

Order facilitates support for 40,000 people told to evacuate Orange county as responders try to divert explosion

California’s governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Saturday in response to the looming threat of chemical disaster in Orange county.

The proclamation directs the governor’s office of emergency services and other state agencies to provide additional support to Orange county responders. The governor’s office is also making state-owned properties available to shelter the 40,000 people ordered to evacuate from the area.