Brazil braces as mysterious oil spill is nearing the coral reef system

The Brazilian Navy, on October 29 stated that it is gearing up to tackle any possibility of the crude oil spill reaching the country's biggest coral reef systems. The statement came after public criticism that blamed the government of inaction. Admiral Leonardo Puntel said that three Naval ships were already in the areas of the coral reefs with an addition of two more ships that will happen as soon as possible. He also added that helicopters will be flying over the reef sites and assessing the situation at hand.

A critical time for Brazil

Puntel said that the helicopters will be flying around to locate any heavy amount of crude oil and if it is detected coming towards the coral reefs, divers will be sent to retrieve the heavy masses before they can cause any damage to the protected areas.

Although Admiral Puntel further added that crude oil flows beneath the ocean's surface, only getting noticed as it comes near the coastline, making it a very difficult job for the satellites or helicopters to track such an incident. He also said that the Navy will not be able to predict the course of the crude oil and which area it will hit next or for how long will it pollute the beaches in Brazil.

According to reports, the oil spill was spotted on the coastline in the northeastern part of Brazil on September 2. The spill has led to contamination of 254 beaches, mangroves, and estuaries in a total of nine states.

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In a press conference, environmental experts and a few politicians berated Brazil's government in relation to their response to the oil spill, stating that the government did not do enough as it was initially to slow in its actions.

"Government did not take action at the right time"

While talking to an international media outlet, scientist Carlos Nobre, stated that the Brazilian government shut down numerous committees and organizations that work in accordance with the ministries to formulate public policies. He further added that one of the committees that were shut down, had come up with a response plan for the oil spills at Brazil's coastline, an error that came to light after the crude oil spills contaminated the beaches.

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Carlos also talked about the first time the oil reached the beaches in the northeastern part of Brazil, there was no committee to tackle the problem even though the concerned authorities had the necessary resources and could have taken action to prevent this environmental disaster but they were not there and it was a complete mess. 

In response to this, Brazil's Defense Minister, Fernando Azevedo e Silva, declined allegations of any wrongdoings on the government's part and stated that the government took the necessary actions as soon as the oil spills were noticed.

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(With inputs from agencies)