Oil Spill in Peru Caused by Tsunami from Tonga Volcano Eruption

On January 20 the Peruvian President Pedro Castillo declared an environmental emergency as they are dealing with an oil spill of an estimated 6,000 barrels that’s spread across 21 beaches caused by the tsunami waves as a result from the Tonga volcano eruption on January 16.

The waves disrupted a ship unloading crude oil causing a huge spill at the country’s biggest refinery La Pampilla which denies they are responsible for the spill and blames the Peruvian Navy for not establishing a tsunami warning in time for preparation.

Peru’s pacific coast is dealing with the clean up of dead birds, seals and other environmental issues.

Peruvian President Pedro Castillo stated, “We are at a critical moment in environmental matters,” he continued. “This is the most worrying ecological disaster on the Peruvian coast in recent times.”