Syrischer Ölteppich infographic
Grafik zeigt das Ausmaß des Ölteppichs per 29. August.
GN41760DE

MITTELOST

Syrischer Ölteppich breitet sich im Mittelmeer aus

September 1, 2021 - Behörden in Zypern beobachten den Ölteppich, der aus einem Kraftwerk in Syrien stammt und sich langsam im Mittelmeer ausbreitet. Es besteht höchste Umweltgefahr für die Küste Zyperns.

Syrian officials said last week that a tank filled with 15,000 tonnes of fuel had been leaking since August 23 at a thermal power plant inside the Baniyas oil refinery. They said they had been able to bring it under control, according to CNN.

Satellite imagery by Orbital EOS now indicates that the oil spill was larger than originally thought, covering around 800 square kilometres – an area around the same size as New York City. The company told CNN on Tuesday that the oil slick was around 7km from the Cypriot coast.

The prime minister of Turkish-controlled northern Cyprus said it was taking all necessary measures to prevent the slick causing damage and was receiving assistance from Turkey, the BBC said.

The Cypriot government said it was ready to provide help if requested.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 01/09/2021; STORY: Graphic News
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