Ecuador’s Petroecuador declared force majeure after a catastrophic oil spill caused by a landslide, severely contaminating the Esmeraldas River and affecting over 500,000 residents. The event led to a state of emergency, suspension of crude oil exports, and a vital environmental crisis affecting multiple provinces. Emergency measures are in place as authorities address the damage and provide assistance to those impacted.
On March 18, 2025, Ecuador’s state oil company, Petroecuador, declared force majeure following a significant oil spill in the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System (SOTE) that began on March 13. The spill resulted from a landslide, which has severely contaminated the Esmeraldas River, impacting over 500,000 residents now facing a critical water crisis. This environmental disaster has been exacerbated by intense rainfall and severe weather conditions that have caused widespread fatalities and damage throughout the country.
The force majeure declaration came in response to the state of emergency announced on March 16, which led to the suspension of Oriente crude exports, one of Ecuador’s two crude oil varieties. This strategic move aims to protect the company from potential penalties or breaches of contract while addressing the environmental catastrophe. The emergency remains in effect for up to 60 days, focusing on managing the repercussions on hydrocarbon operations.
The landslide triggering the spill has led to a death toll of 20, with reports of injuries, evacuations, and significant infrastructure damage. By March 19, authorities recorded 95 injured individuals, 306 evacuees, and 108,227 people affected across numerous provinces in western Ecuador, particularly Manabí, Guayas, and Esmeraldas.
The spill’s initial reports indicated contamination began on March 15; however, it was later determined that the landslide on March 13 caused the pipeline rupture. Mayor Ronald Montero of Quinindé reported that around 15,000 individuals had been adversely affected, especially along the riverbanks. Mayor Vicko Villacis indicated that access to potable water has sharply declined, with the spill estimated at 200,000 barrels.
The pipeline leak stands as the most severe oil spill in Ecuador in eight years, prompting a vital environmental emergency. This incident has disrupted drinking water supplies and impacted local beaches, prompting Petroecuador’s immediate emergency response of deploying tanker trucks for oil recovery and distributing potable water to affected residents.
Moreover, the National Emergency Operations Committee has directed the Ministry of the Environment to issue a declaration of an ‘environmental emergency’ across the affected regions, including vital wildlife habitats. Marine biologist Eduardo Rebolledo highlighted the dire environmental conditions, stating, “There are no life forms in the water” of two contaminated rivers, emphasizing the precarious state of drinking water availability for rural residents dependent on river sources.
In conclusion, the recent oil spill in Ecuador, the worst in eight years, has resulted in severe health and environmental concerns affecting over 500,000 residents. The declaration of force majeure by Petroecuador serves to mitigate legal and financial repercussions while highlighting the urgent need for effective emergency management. The continuing heavy rains exacerbating this crisis have led to significant fatalities and infrastructure damage, prompting calls for stringent environmental protections moving forward.
Original Source: watchers.news
