Peru has declared an emergency three weeks after a major oil pipeline burst, affecting two rivers in the country’s northwest. The pipeline spilled 3,000 barrels of crude oil into the Chiriaco and Morona rivers, which are the main source of water and food for several indigenous communities. The government has told these communities not to eat fish from the polluted waters. The broken pipeline reportedly used to transport between 5,000 and 6,000 oil barrels per day. The pipeline is owned by Petro Peru, a state-owned oil company.

The oil company has been accused of a slow reaction to the spill – it only started providing food, water and medical attention weeks after the crisis, which has affected the health of more than 200 people. Peru’s main oil pipeline was built more than 30 years ago. This has been the third oil spill in less than a month.

Did You Know???

• Peru lies on the Pacific coast of South America just south of the Equator.
• To the Quechua Indians Peru means “land of abundance.
• Today Peru ranks among the world’s top producers of silver, copper, lead, and zinc.
• Its petroleum industry is one of the world’s oldest, and its fisheries are among the world’s richest.
• Peru has 3,500 varieties of orchids, and it is estimated that only 50% of the species have been identified as of yet.
• Peru is home to the highest sand dune in the world. Cerro Blanco is located in the Sechura Desert near the Nazca Lines and measures 3,860 feet (1,176 m) from base to summit.