Two representatives of the UN Environment Program were finally able to evaluate the consequences of the oil spill in Lebanon.
UN Executive Director said that despite the complex political situation, it is appalling that more than 3 weeks into a crisis that is looking to rival the 1999 Erika tanker spill, there has been no move towards a clean-up or support given to the Lebanese government for an on-the-ground assessment.
If all the oil contained in the bombed power plant leaks into the Mediterranean Sea, this spill will be comparable to the Exxon Valdez disaster of 1989.
Though the two experts getting to assess the disaster in Syria is a start,much more needs to be done.
The UNEP is working with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the European Commission and the International Maritime Organization to create conditions under which remedial action over the oil spill can be taken.
With 140kms of the coastline already affected, many marine species such as sea turtles and bluefin tuna are thought to be severely affected.
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