Ecuador has declared a ‘force majeure’ emergency following a damaging oil spill caused by a landslide, leading to the suspension of crude exports. Approximately half a million residents are affected, facing drinking water shortages as rivers become contaminated. The government is responding with environmental emergency measures and water relief efforts.
Ecuador has declared a state of emergency due to an oil spill caused by a ruptured pipeline from a landslide, leading to significant water contamination. The state-owned oil company, Petroecuador, announced on Tuesday that it would suspend crude exports under the force majeure clause to avoid contractual penalties. This incident has severely impacted drinking water supplies for approximately half a million residents, as oil has contaminated multiple rivers, including the Esmeraldas River, crucial for local communities.
The oil spill, estimated at around 200,000 barrels, has prompted Petroecuador to utilize tanker trucks to recover spilled crude from the affected areas. To address the urgent need for potable water, three ships are scheduled to deliver fresh water to Esmeraldas. Additionally, the government has issued an environmental emergency declaration to protect the province, which is home to over 250 species in its wildlife refuge.
Ecuador’s oil production is significant, averaging about 475,000 barrels per day, making it one of the country’s primary exports. The impacted pipeline is part of the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System, which facilitates the transport of oil for export. Local biologists have reported that two of the affected rivers are devoid of life due to oil contamination, further highlighting the ecological risks brought on by this disaster.
In summary, the emergency declaration in Ecuador regarding the oil spill has been issued to mitigate the crisis affecting water supplies for many residents. The state-owned Petroecuador’s suspension of exports aims to prevent financial repercussions while cleanup efforts are underway. This situation not only endangers local livelihoods reliant on fishing and potable water but also poses significant environmental threats to the region’s biodiversity.
Original Source: www.france24.com
