The accident occurred last Thursday due to a landslide that ruptured the Trans-Ecuadorean Pipeline System (SOTE), contaminating the rivers that supply the population and agricultural activities in the cantons of Esmeraldas, Río Verde, Atacames, and Quinindé.

Tanker trucks have distributed drinking water, and Ecuadorian Navy ships are expected to transport water to the population this Tuesday.

The mayor of the canton, Ronald Moreno, warned about the health effects and told the local press that approximately 600 people were treated for asphyxiation, skin infections, and stomach problems.

The state-owned company Petroecuador, in charge of SOTE, has not reported how many barrels of crude oil were spilled, but the oil slick traveled 82 kilometers along the rivers and reached the ocean, prompting authorities to close three beaches in the area.

Containment ongoing efforts include brigades at seven points along the Viche and Esmeraldas rivers, while Petroecuador works to repair the pipeline.

Experts warn that the crisis could be prolonged. The emergency allows us to overcome legal obstacles, but the outlook is complicated. It’s going to be tough,” said Darío Dávalos, a hydrocarbon specialist.

jrr/llp/oda/avr