Ecuador has declared a state of emergency and cut crude oil exports following a major spill from a damaged pipeline. This environmental disaster has polluted several rivers, affecting drinking water access for hundreds of thousands. Petroecuador invoked a force majeure clause to protect against penalties, while environmental actions are underway to address the crisis.
Ecuador’s state-owned oil company has declared an emergency due to a significant oil spill resulting from a damaged pipeline, affecting hundreds of thousands of residents. This emergency declaration was announced following the spill, which polluted multiple rivers, leaving many without access to clean drinking water. As a response, Petroecuador announced a suspension of Oriente crude exports under a force majeure clause, designed to secure the company against penalties resulting from this incident.
The oil spill occurred in the northwest region when a landslide ruptured a major pipeline, releasing an estimated 200,000 barrels of crude oil into waterways such as the Esmeraldas River. Petroecuador has committed to utilizing tanker trucks to recover the spilled oil and has initiated plans to transport drinking water to the affected areas. Approximately 500,000 individuals have been impacted, underscoring the critical reliance on local rivers for drinking water.
As part of the emergency measures, the Ecuadorian government has declared an environmental emergency in the province, which hosts a wildlife refuge rich in biodiversity. Local marine biologist Eduardo Rebolledo noted the dire conditions of the rivers, indicating that the oil contamination has decimated aquatic life. The Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System, which plays a pivotal role in the country’s oil transport, has been compromised, leading to production levels of about 475,000 barrels per day being disrupted.
Ecuador is grappling with a significant environmental crisis due to an oil spill caused by a pipeline rupture. The declaration of force majeure by Petroecuador aims to manage the ongoing situation while safeguarding the company from legal repercussions. With widespread impact on local communities and ecosystems, urgent actions are being taken to provide clean water and mitigate further damage to the environment.
Original Source: www.france24.com
