Ecuador is facing an environmental crisis due to an oil spill from a ruptured pipeline, impacting rivers and cutting off drinking water for half a million people. An emergency has been declared, and Petroecuador is attempting to recover the spilled oil. Water deliveries are on their way to affected regions, while local fishing communities are experiencing significant distress.
Ecuador is currently facing an environmental crisis due to a spreading oil slick that has contaminated multiple rivers after a significant spill. The incident, which occurred last Thursday, was reportedly triggered by a landslide that ruptured a major pipeline, causing tens of thousands of barrels of oil to be released into the environment.
As a consequence, around half a million residents are now without access to potable water, especially in the Esmeraldas region, which relies heavily on its rivers for drinking water, according to Esmeraldas mayor Vicko Villacis. An environmental emergency has been declared to address the situation, which also threatens local wildlife, including over 250 animal species in the area.
In response to the crisis, Petroecuador, the state-owned company managing the pipeline, is utilizing tanker trucks to recover as much oil as feasible to minimize damage, particularly in areas where residents depend on fishing for their livelihoods. Though the exact amount of oil spilled remains unconfirmed, estimates suggest it could be around 200,000 barrels.
To alleviate the water shortage, three ships are scheduled to deliver drinking water to the affected community in Esmeraldas. In 2024, Ecuador was producing approximately 475,000 barrels of oil daily, highlighting the significance of the sector to the country’s economy. The broken pipeline is part of the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System (SOTE), designed to transport 360,000 barrels per day over a 500-kilometer route from the Amazon to the Pacific coast.
The impact of the spill has been visibly devastating in Rocafuerte, a local fishing village, where boats and nets have been coated in crude oil. Local resident Luis Cabezas expressed concern, stating that the situation threatens their fishing activities and the community’s livelihood.
Ecuador is grappling with a severe oil slick resulting from a pipeline rupture, significantly affecting the water supply and local wildlife. With a desperate need for potable water, the government has declared an environmental emergency while Petroecuador works to mitigate the damage. The socioeconomic implications for the residents in fishing communities are dire, indicating a pressing need for effective remediation efforts.
Original Source: www.france24.com
