Philippines Braces for Oil Spill Crisis After Typhoon Gaemi

The Philippines is on high alert following the sinking of the MT Terra Nova, an oil tanker carrying 370,000 gallons of industrial fuel, just four miles off the coast of Manila. The vessel sank amid rough seas, resulting in the death of one crew member and raising concerns about a catastrophic oil spill that could devastate the region's environment and tourism sector. Experts warn that if the cargo hold bursts, it could release thousands of gallons of hazardous fuel into the waters, threatening the densely populated metropolitan area of 13 million. The incident coincides with severe weather conditions caused by Typhoon Gaemi, which has already led to significant flooding in Manila, displacing over a million people and grounding flights. The typhoon has exacerbated the situation, with heavy monsoon rains causing landslides and widespread evacuations. The Philippine government has declared a state of calamity in the capital, where rainfall has reached alarming levels, flooding areas up to one-story high. In Taiwan, the impact of Typhoon Gaemi has also been severe, with at least seven fatalities reported and nearly 800 injuries. The storm has disrupted water supplies for over 160,000 households. Another cargo tanker sank off Taiwan's coast, adding to the maritime crisis in the region, with ongoing rescue efforts for the missing crew members. As the Philippine Coast Guard deploys containment ships to manage the oil spill, experts emphasize the urgency of extracting the fuel before further environmental damage occurs. The situation remains critical as the region braces for the aftermath of both the typhoon and the potential oil disaster.