Philippine authorities are racing against time to contain a massive oil spill from the MT Terra Nova, which capsised in Manila Bay amid the onslaught of Typhoon Gaemi.
The vessel was carrying 1.5 million litres of industrial fuel, sparking fears of a catastrophic environmental disaster.
If not swiftly managed, the spill could become the worst in Philippine history, posing severe threats to marine life and coastal communities. “Our immediate priority is to prevent the oil from spreading further,” said Coast Guard spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Marlon Balilo.
Simultaneously, rescue operations are underway off Taiwan’s southern coast, where nine crew members are missing following the sinking of a cargo ship.
Gaemi, Taiwan’s first typhoon of the year, has already claimed three lives and injured hundreds, exacerbating the situation with intense winds and torrential rains.
The typhoon has also intensified seasonal monsoon rains in the Philippines, further complicating rescue and containment efforts.
Authorities in both countries are on high alert, striving to mitigate the damage and assist affected communities.
