Ecuador’s Petroecuador declared a ‘force majeure’ emergency after an oil spill from a ruptured pipeline contaminated rivers, affecting drinking water for hundreds of thousands. The company suspended crude exports while employing resources to mitigate the environmental impact and announced efforts to supply drinking water to the affected areas.
Ecuador’s state-owned oil company has declared a ‘force majeure’ emergency due to a damaged pipeline, leading to a suspension of crude exports. This decision follows a significant oil spill that has contaminated numerous rivers, adversely affecting the drinking water supply for hundreds of thousands of residents. The incident, believed to be triggered by a landslide, released tens of thousands of barrels of oil into waterways, including the Esmeraldas River, which eventually flows into the Pacific Ocean.
The declaration of ‘force majeure’ by Petroecuador underscores the severity of the environmental crisis induced by the oil spill. With critical impacts on public health and the local economy, the situation remains dire as efforts continue to mitigate damage and restore access to clean water for affected communities. The importance of rivers in Ecuador for both drinking water and livelihood highlights the urgent need for environmental protections and sustainable practices in oil management.
Original Source: www.france24.com
