Oil spill prompts regional emergency in Crimea and Russia’s Krasnodar

Authorities in Crimea declared a regional emergency in Sevastopol after oil from storm-damaged tankers reached its shores, the Associated Press reported on Saturday.

The spill originated nearly three weeks ago in the Kerch Strait, with oil contaminating four beaches in Sevastopol. Local officials stated the pollution was swiftly contained, avoiding widespread damage.

In Russia’s Krasnodar region, a similar emergency was declared earlier as cleanup efforts continued. Over 7,000 workers have removed 96,000 tons of contaminated sand and soil along the coastline, with up to 200,000 tons estimated to be affected.