Moscow: Russia has declared a federal-level emergency in response to a significant oil spill along the Black Sea coast. The spill, caused by storm-damaged Russian-flagged oil tankers near the Kerch Strait on December 15, has released thousands of tons of heavy fuel oil, also known as mazut, into the sea. The incident has contaminated approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) of coastline, raising concerns over environmental damage, cleanup efforts, and long-term implications.
Federal Emergency Declared
Sergei Aksyonov, the Moscow-appointed head of Crimea, announced the federal emergency status after consultations led by President Vladimir Putin. The decision allows access to federal funds for cleanup operations. According to Interfax, the response has faced public scrutiny for being insufficient and poorly coordinated.
On Thursday, Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurenkov formalized the federal emergency, following a regional emergency declaration in Krasnodar the day before. The affected regions are now mobilizing resources, including federal support, to address the crisis.
Cleanup Challenges
Local authorities have relied on thousands of volunteers armed with basic tools like shovels and plastic bags. This approach has been criticized for lacking heavy machinery and advanced techniques. Viktor Danilov-Danilyan, an influential environmental scientist, expressed his frustration at a press conference, stating, “Unthinkable!” in reference to the continued presence of fuel oil in the sea. He emphasized that residues of mazut are likely to wash ashore repeatedly, necessitating prolonged cleanup efforts.
Danilov-Danilyan also revealed that over 200,000 tons of soil along the coastline have been contaminated. He warned of potential devastation to local tourism, noting that beaches might remain closed through the spring and summer seasons.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are volunteers involved in the cleanup?
Volunteers have stepped in due to a shortage of trained personnel and equipment. However, they face significant challenges, including limited resources and the absence of heavy machinery.
What actions has Russia taken to address the situation?
Russia has declared a federal emergency, enabling the allocation of federal funds for cleanup. Local and regional authorities are coordinating with volunteers to mitigate the damage.
