A major oil spill in the Kerch Strait has caused widespread concern over its impact on the environment. The spill, which occurred two weeks ago when two storm-stricken tankers ran aground, has released tons of fuel oil into the strait.
Local volunteers have been working to clean up the mess, with over 10,000 people joining the effort since Wednesday. However, some critics say that the government is not doing enough to support the response efforts.
The spill has contaminated large areas of coastline, with over 71,000 tons of sand and soil removed from a 56-kilometer stretch of shoreline. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations estimates that up to 200,000 tons may have been contaminated in total.
Volunteers who have worked on the response efforts have reported experiencing health problems, including headaches, nausea, and vomiting due to inhaling toxic fumes. Others are calling for international specialists to be sent to help mitigate the damage.
The Kerch Strait is a critical global shipping route that separates Russia-occupied Crimea from Russia. The spill has also sparked tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with Ukraine accusing Russia of trying to seize control of the area illegally.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/green/2025/01/06/an-ecological-disaster-russia-deals-with-aftermath-of-massive-fuel-oil-spill