"This Has Not Happened For 20 Years": A Real Ecological Collapse In Tuapse

Fire at refinery hit by drones continues.

A large-scale environmental crisis has emerged in the Russian town of Tuapse after drone strikes. Local residents complain of "oil rain", toxic smog and black spots on the streets and in puddles.

About the consequences of the fire at the oil terminal and the situation in the city tells BBC. It reported that on Wednesday, April 22, residents of the city noticed "oil rain".

Black puddles with a film appeared in yards, cars were covered with drops, and there were traces of pollution on animals and people's skin. Environmentalists explained that during the fire oil products not only burn, but also evaporate: vapors rise into the atmosphere, condense and return to the ground together with precipitation. Because of this, the pollution covers large areas.

Toxic smoke and contaminated water: the Russian town of Tuapse complains that after the UAV attack, the holiday season "ended before it began."

Environmentalist Yevgeny Vitishko estimates that the holiday season in the region "ended before it began." He added that the region has not seen such a disaster for at least 20 years. The consequences, in particular the pollution of rivers, soil and air, could last for decades.

The biggest problem now is air pollution. According to Greenpeace, the smoke contains toxic gases, chemical vapors and soot particles. According to the local operational headquarters, in some areas concentrations of benzene, xylene and soot have exceeded safe levels by two to three times.

Because of this, local authorities have recommended residents to stay indoors, keep windows closed and use protective equipment. Despite this, some educational institutions were closed only a few days after the situation worsened.

The pollution also affected the water: oil products can get into the Tuapse River and from there into the sea. Despite the authorities' statements about localization of the spill, oil slicks are found on the coast, which probably get into the sea from damaged reservoirs. Environmentalists note that overcoming the consequences is hindered by pebble beaches, through which fuel oil seeps into the soil and returns to the water.

The fire in Tuapse emerged after two drone strikes on the port. On April 16, an oil refinery burst into flames. The fire was liquidated in three days. Subsequently, on April 19, an oil slick was found in the sea, and on April 20, due to a second strike, the facility broke out again.

As of April 23, the fire is still going on. However, its area has been reduced by about half.

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