Tianjin official warns against activities close to the explosions site

Soldiers help residents carry their belongings during rains in Tianjin Binhai New Area on Tuesday morning. [Photo/ wj.81.cn]

Bao said there is no excessive level of the toxic chemical cyanide outside the cordoned off area.

"An excessive level of cyanide has been detected at eight locations within the cordoned off area from 0:00-24:00 Monday, with the highest reaching 28.4 times," said Bao.

About 3,000 tons of highly hazardous chemicals were stored at the warehouse in Tianjin when it was hit by explosions last week, according to Niu Yueguang, deputy director of the Ministry of Public Security.

Among the detected 40 kinds of poisonous chemicals, there are 700-ton sodium cyanide, 800-ton ammonium nitrate and 500-ton potassium nitrate.

The death toll was 114 by 9:00 am on Tuesday, with 83 bodies identified; 57 remain missing. More than 690 are receiving treatment at hospitals, with 20 in critical condition and 37 severely injured.

Yu Xuewei, Chairman of Rui Hai International Logistics Co - owner of the warehouse, and Du Shexuan, vice chairman of the company, and eight others were taken into custody on Aug 13, officials said at a news conference on Tuesday morning.