Environmental Disaster Looms as Oil Tanker Sinks off Coast of Manila
In the midst of the typhoon season wreaking havoc in Asia, particularly in Taiwan and the Philippines, a new crisis emerges as an oil tanker, MT Terra Nova, has sunk off the coast of the capital city, Manila. The tanker, flying the Philippine flag, was carrying a massive 1.4 million liters of oil when it went down, intensifying fears of a catastrophic oil spill.
Rising Death Toll and Storm Devastation
The aftermath of cyclone “Gaemi” has led to a tragic death toll of 16 individuals as reported by “Heute.” The destructive tropical storm has caused landslides, flash floods, and widespread chaos in Taiwan and the Philippines. As the region struggles to recover from the storm’s impact, a new environmental threat looms on the horizon with the sinking of the oil tanker.
Race to Prevent an Environmental Catastrophe
Philippine authorities are now in a race against time to avert a potential environmental disaster stemming from the sinking of the MT Terra Nova. Efforts are underway to contain the oil spill, with a visible oil slick already spreading several kilometers in length. Teams from the marine protection authority have been deployed to mitigate the leak, while the coast guard is preparing to deploy floating barriers to contain the spill.
The swift sinking of the tanker, just five minutes after the emergency call was made, has left one crew member missing as rescue operations continue. Transportation Minister Jaime Bautista confirmed that 16 crew members were rescued. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, with coast guard spokesman Armando Balilo stating that the tanker had not violated any regulations as there were no official storm warnings at the time of departure from the port of Limay.
State of Emergency Declared in Manila
The fury of cyclone “Gaemi” was felt with wind speeds reaching up to 155 kilometers per hour and gusts of 190 kilometers per hour. Faced with the devastation caused by the storm, a state of emergency was declared in Manila to expedite aid funds and response efforts. Sections of the mega-metropolis experienced extreme flooding, with water levels rising several meters in some areas and numerous streets being impassable.
The unfolding crisis following the sinking of the MT Terra Nova serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of maritime operations and the pressing need for stringent safety measures in the face of natural disasters. As authorities continue to grapple with the aftermath of the storm and the looming environmental threat posed by the oil spill, a coordinated and swift response is essential to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and the environment.
