An oil spill off the Philippines has spread over an area of about 10,000 square kilometers, threatening one of the most biodiverse marine habitats in the world. The coastguard of Batanga province said on Monday that the black oil had washed up in parts of Isla Verde (Green Island).
Units were sent to the island to contain environmental damage caused by the oil, it said. Isla Verde is located in a strait between the islands of Mindoro and Luzon with Manila as its capital. The Strait of Isla Verde is considered one of the most species-rich marine habitats in the world.
The oil leaked from the ship “Princess Empress”, which sank about 100 miles south of Manila at the end of February with 800,000 liters of industrial oil on board. In addition to Isla Verde, parts of the southern provinces of Oriental Mindoro, Antique and Palawan were also affected, according to the marine conservation organization Oceana Philippines. The oil threatens the livelihoods and health of about 150,000 people and causes major environmental damage.
(sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
