Debris warning up as China launches rocket anew

MANILA, Philippines — Officials and residents of coastal villages in four areas in Northern Luzon have been advised to watch out for debris from a rocket launched by China on Tuesday.

In an advisory, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said that debris from the Chinese rocket Long March 7A may fall approximately 45 nautical miles off Burgos, Ilocos Norte; 67 and 64 NM off Dalupiri Island and Santa Ana in Cagayan, respectively, and 76 NM off Camiguin Norte, which are all within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The Long March 7A took off at 6:40 a.m. from the Wenchang Space Launch site in Wenchang, Hainan.

It was the fifth rocket launched by China this month and the second within a one-week period following the launch of the Long March 8A on Dec. 26.

The rest were launched on Dec. 6, 12 and 20.

PhilSA said that details of the debris drop zones were disclosed through a notice to airmen, warning of an aerospace flight activity.

The space agency also disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the rocket launch, as part of standard operating procedure every time China conducts such activities.

Residents have been warned not to go near or touch any part of the debris as this may contain remnants of toxic substances like rocket fuel.