**Chemical Leak Near Cincinnati Sparks Evacuations and Government Response**

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been briefed on a hazardous chemical leak from a railcar near Cincinnati, Ohio, that has caused the evacuation of schools and local residences. The incident, which involves a styrene leak from a stationary railcar in Whitewater Township near Cleves, has led federal and local agencies to take swift action.

The White House announced that President Biden has been informed about the situation, emphasizing that officials from the Federal Railroad Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency are on-site, conducting hazardous material operations and testing air quality. "The president has directed his team to provide any resources that may be needed. We urge residents to heed the warnings of emergency personnel, especially those instructed to evacuate," the statement read.

A White House official also noted that Vice President Harris, who is the Democratic party nominee for president in the upcoming November election, is actively coordinating with officials. Both she and President Biden have urged residents to seriously consider the instructions given by emergency personnel, particularly for those advised to evacuate.

The leak was traced to a pressure release valve on the railcar emitting styrene, a toxic and flammable substance used in the production of plastic and rubber. Exposure to styrene can result in headaches, nausea, and respiratory issues, while prolonged contact can cause more severe health consequences, including organ damage.

Residents within a half-mile radius of the leak were advised to evacuate immediately. Those living just outside the evacuation zone were instructed to stay indoors and keep their windows closed. The Three Rivers local school district evacuated three school buildings and cancelled all after-school activities, according to spokesperson Lisa Whiteley.

The Central Railroad of Indiana, which operates the train, was first alerted to the issue on Tuesday afternoon. Tom Ciuba, a spokesperson for the company, confirmed the notification about the venting styrene. Little Miami Joint Fire and Rescue District Chief Mike Siefke remarked, "This will be a long, long event," although fortunately, no injuries have been reported.

Furthermore, Ohio's US Senators, Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, and JD Vance, a Republican and the nominee for vice-president, announced they are closely monitoring developments regarding the leak. This recent scare follows a train derailment on the opposite side of Ohio in East Palestine last year, which spilled hazardous chemicals and burned for several days. That February 2023 incident led to the implementation of new safety regulations and increased regulatory oversight.