Ecuador is battling a major oil spill affecting rivers, resulting in drinking water shortages for residents. The environmental emergency was triggered by a landslide that ruptured a pipeline, releasing tens of thousands of barrels of oil. The spill impacts half a million individuals, with recovery efforts in progress and immediate relief measures being implemented.
Ecuador is currently facing a significant environmental crisis as an oil slick spreads across multiple rivers, causing a severe drinking water shortage for residents. The situation arose following a landslide that ruptured a major pipeline in the northwest region last Thursday, resulting in the release of tens of thousands of barrels of oil.
The oil has contaminated not only the Esmeraldas River, where the spill originated, but has also reached at least four additional waterways. An estimated 500,000 individuals are affected, with many losing access to potable water in a region that heavily depends on its rivers for this critical resource, according to Vicko Villacis, Esmeraldas mayor.
In response to the crisis, the government declared an environmental emergency in the province, which is home to a wildlife refuge that hosts over 250 animal species. State-owned Petroecuador, which oversees the damaged pipeline, is deploying tanker trucks to retrieve the spilled oil, particularly affecting the livelihoods of local fishermen. Although they have yet to quantify the total spill, Villacis approximates it to be around 200,000 barrels.
In efforts to alleviate the water crisis, Petroecuador has announced that three ships will begin delivering drinking water to Esmeraldas starting Tuesday. Ecuador’s oil production reached approximately 475,000 barrels per day in 2024, which is a vital component of its economy. The pipeline rupture occurred on the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System (SOTE), capable of transporting 360,000 barrels per day over a distance of 500 kilometers (310 miles) from the Amazon to the Pacific coast.
In Rocafuerte, a fishing village part of the affected area, AFP reporters observed boats and fishing nets saturated with oil. Local resident Luis Cabezas expressed deep concern for their livelihoods, stating, “If it continues like this, we won’t be able to fish anymore.”
Ecuador is grappling with a significant oil spill following a pipeline rupture, severely impacting both the environment and local communities. The government has declared an emergency as thousands face drinking water shortages, which has resulted in a widespread humanitarian crisis. Immediate measures, including water deliveries and oil recovery efforts, are underway. However, the long-term effects on the ecosystem and local livelihoods remain a pressing concern.
Original Source: www.france24.com
