Ecuador is dealing with a spreading oil slick caused by a pipeline rupture, leading to an environmental emergency and lack of drinking water for thousands. The spill has affected multiple rivers, impacting roughly half a million people, with recovery efforts underway by Petroecuador.
Ecuador is currently grappling with a significant environmental crisis following an oil slick that has spread across several rivers, affecting thousands of residents. This crisis was ignited by a rupture in a major pipeline due to a landslide, releasing tens of thousands of barrels of oil into the environment. Consequently, an environmental emergency has been declared, leaving the local population, particularly in Esmeraldas, without access to drinking water.
The oil slick originated from the Esmeraldas River and has since migrated to at least four additional waterways. As Esmeraldas Mayor Vicko Villacis reported, approximately half a million residents have been impacted, many of whom are dependent on rivers for potable water. The government has taken steps to address this critical situation by declaring an environmental state of emergency in the province, known for its diverse wildlife.
State-owned Petroecuador, which oversees the pipeline, has mobilized tanker trucks to recover the spilled oil, particularly in areas where fishing communities rely on the rivers for their livelihoods. Although no official spill estimate has been provided, Mayor Villacis suggests that around 200,000 barrels may have been released into the environment.
In addition, three ships are scheduled to deliver drinking water to Esmeraldas beginning Tuesday as part of the emergency response. Ecuador’s oil production in 2024 was approximately 475,000 barrels per day, underscoring the significance of oil exports to the national economy. The damaged pipeline is a critical component of the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System (SOTE), which has the capacity to transport up to 360,000 barrels per day from the Amazon to the Pacific.
In Rocafuerte, a local fishing village, the situation remains dire as residents observe their fishing equipment contaminated with oil. Local fisherman Luis Cabezas expressed his concerns, stating, “If it continues like this, we won’t be able to fish anymore.”
In summary, Ecuador is facing a severe environmental emergency due to an oil spill that has disrupted the lives of many residents, particularly affecting access to drinking water. The spill originated from a ruptured pipeline and has spread across multiple rivers, prompting the government to declare an emergency. Petroecuador is actively working to mitigate the impact, yet concerns about the long-term effects on local communities and ecosystems remain significant.
Original Source: www.france24.com
