Fears for ecosystem

In addition to the deaths, injuries and damage to the city of Qingdao, Friday's explosion has resulted in the threat of oil-based pollution of the ocean.

On Sunday, the wind was high on the waters near Jiaozhou Bay, with speeds reaching 100 kilometers at night, according to the metrological office.

Heavy seas helped to spread the oil across the surface of the water, but a favorable wind drove the larger oil spills inland, toward a containing sea wall. Officials from Qingdao Maritime Bureau said the weather was providing good conditions for cleaning up the pollution. Despite the high winds, large waves and freezing temperatures, staff from the bureau spent Sunday throwing oil-absorbent pads into the water.