Edwin wangombe's post

The sinking of the Rubymar, a bulk carrier off the coast of Yemen, following a Huthi missile attack, paints a grim picture of environmental disaster in the making. The vessel, laden with 21,000 metric tonnes of ammonium phosphate sulfate fertilizer, now threatens to unleash a wave of devastation upon the fragile ecosystems of the Red Sea.



As the ship succumbed to the relentless pressure of water inflow resulting from the missile strike on February 18, it not only left behind a trail of leaking fuel but also introduced a new peril beneath the waves. The potential consequences of this disaster extend far beyond the immediate impact on marine life; they could reshape the lives of coastal communities that depend on the sea for sustenance.

Officials and experts are sounding the alarm about the dual threat posed by the Rubymar's demise. The first hazard is the leaking fuel, estimated to exceed 200 tonnes, which could wreak havoc on marine environments and ecosystems. The spilled oil could coat coastal areas, harm coral reefs, and disrupt the delicate balance of marine life, impacting everything from fish populations to seaweed.

However, the second and equally menacing risk is the massive quantity of highly soluble fertilizer on board. The ammonium phosphate sulfate, if released into the sea, has the potential to inflict severe damage on fish and other living organisms, including coral reefs and seaweed. The consequences of this "double pollution" are dire, with experts estimating that up to 78,000 fishermen and their families—equivalent to half a million people—could face the devastating fallout.

Abdulsalam al-Jaabi, a representative of the Yemeni government's environmental protection agency, underlined the potential economic costs of this contamination. Coastal communities, already grappling with the challenges of survival, are now confronted with a looming catastrophe that could jeopardize their primary source of livelihood—fishing.

The sinking of the Rubymar serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and humanitarian challenges. The repercussions of this disaster extend far beyond the immediate vicinity, emphasizing the need for coordinated international efforts to mitigate the damage and prevent such incidents from further destabilizing vulnerable regions.
  • Munene Mugambi

    35 w

    We can resolve this issue by not being at war all the time, by not supporting genocidal maniacs and by speaking the truth as this only sets us all free. We can live in harmony without discrimination of any other people based on, tribe, race, religion and or beliefs. Let us live together while we avoid environmental destruction.

    4
    • johnte ndeto

      35 w

      Its indeed alarming, posing significant environmental risks. The potential for oil spills and other pollutants could have devastating consequences for marine life and coastal ecosystems in the region

      1
      • Sarah Chabane

        35 w

        One more example of the close link between democracy and stable geopolitics and climate protection

        8

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