Published 10:55 IST, October 8th 2019
Brazil finds more than 100 tonnes of oil spills on its coast
Brazil's Environmental Minister Ricardo Salles has said that more than 100 tonnes of oil have been spilt along the country's northeastern coast since September
As per reports, Brazil's Environmental Minister Ricardo Salles has said that more than 100 tonnes of oil has been spilt along the country's northeastern coast since the start of September. Ricardo Salles has said on Twitter on October 7 that 42 cities have been affected by oil spills but he did not elaborate on the number or offered any explanation as to how he reached that number.
42 Cities affected
Salles tweet said that he was recently in Sergipe and surveyed the oil spill on the beaches. Adding that since September 2, IBAMA and ICMBIO teams, along with 42 municipalities, navy, and other agencies were involved in the collection of more than 100 tons of oil sludge.
Reports suggest, that, Brazillian police is currently in the process of investigating the origin of the oil spill. Reports also suggest that the oil spill has killed at least 7 turtles and forced swimmers and fishermen to stay away from oil-contaminated areas. The State-run oil company Petrobras has said last week that oil is not the type it produces. Meanwhile, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro is expected to receive a preliminary report on the oil spills this week.
Amazon fires
As Brazil fights oil spills, it is in process of dousing Amazon fires which have caused global outrage. The number of fires has declined sharply in Brazil's Amazon region after an alarming rise in July and August, but state environmental workers say the fight continues as officials still promote economic development in protected natural areas. Fires in the Amazon went down 35.5% in September compared to August, with 19,925 fires, according to data published on October 1 by the National Institute for Space Research.
(With inputs from agencies)
Updated 17:36 IST, October 8th 2019