Ecuador is facing an environmental emergency due to an oil spill from a ruptured pipeline, affecting half a million residents by cutting off their access to drinking water. As the spill spreads across multiple rivers, recovery efforts are underway, while three ships are set to deliver drinking water. The incident raises concerns for local livelihood, particularly among fishing communities.
Ecuador is currently addressing a significant environmental crisis as an oil slick spreads following a major spill. The incident occurred last Thursday in the northwest region, where a landslide ruptured a critical pipeline, releasing tens of thousands of barrels of crude oil into the environment. This disaster has affected several rivers, necessitating the declaration of an environmental emergency.
Approximately half a million residents are experiencing water shortages, as many are cut off from clean drinking water in a region reliant on river resources for this need. Mayor Vicko Villacis has confirmed the dire situation via Teleamazonas, highlighting that the spill has impacted the population drastically.
The government declared an environmental emergency in the province, which is home to a wildlife refuge sheltering over 250 species. Petroecuador, the state-owned company responsible for the pipeline, is deploying tanker trucks to recover as much crude oil as possible from affected areas, especially where fishing communities depend on the rivers.
While the exact volume of the spill remains uncalculated, Mayor Villacis estimates it to be around 200,000 barrels. To mitigate the water crisis, three ships are scheduled to begin delivering drinking water to Esmeraldas.
In 2024, Ecuador’s oil production reached approximately 475,000 barrels per day, making it a vital export commodity. The ruptured pipeline is part of the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System (SOTE), which carries oil from the Amazon to the Pacific, covering a distance of 500 kilometers.
In Rocafuerte, a local fishing village, reports indicate that many fishing boats and their gear are now coated in oil. Resident Luis Cabezas expressed concern over the future of their fishing livelihood, stating, “If it continues like this, we won’t be able to fish anymore.”
In summary, Ecuador is grappling with an environmental emergency due to a significant oil spill caused by a landslide rupture. This disaster has left many residents without access to potable water, highlighting the crucial impact on local communities and wildlife. The response efforts include recovery operations and alternative water supply methods, as the situation remains critical for those dependent on the affected rivers.
Original Source: www.france24.com
