Peru declared emergency after oil spill Hits Rivers

Peru on 29 February 2016 declared an emergency after a major oil pipeline burst affecting two rivers, namely Chiriaco and Morona,  in the country's northwest. This emergency will continue to be in force for three weeks.

The pipeline burst poured 3000 barrels of crude oil into the two rivers, which are the main source of water and food for several indigenous communities.

The pipeline that spilled the crude oil in rivers is owned by Petro Peru, a state-owned oil company, reportedly used to transport between 5000 and 6000 oil barrels per day.

The government has told these communities not to eat fish from the polluted waters. This has been the third oil spill in less than a month and at least eight indigenous communities rely on the rivers for water.

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