CHINA - 114 dead, 57 remain missing in Tianjin blast

The death toll from the Tianjin warehouse blasts now stands at 114. 57 others remain missing. 83 of the victims have been identified by DNA matches. Nearly 700 people have been hospitalized; 57 are critically or seriously injured.

A 340-member nuclear and biochemical team entered the core blast site on Tuesday afternoon and started cleaning the ground and surrounding facilities and buildings. All personnel and equipment need to be decontaminated when exiting the area. Continuing rain is complicating rescue efforts and may spread pollution.

Meanwhile, a joint military rescue command has been established to coordinate operations by the army, the air force, navy and armed police. Soldiers are clearing two emergency routes to aid access to the core area.

More than 300 police transport professionals are using search and rescue equipment as they clear debris and rubble in the area adjacent to the core site.