Jakarta, IO – North Nias Regent Amizaro Waruwu said that the asphalt spill will cause a severe environmental damage, affecting fisherfolks, turtles, birds and other sea mammals.
“Fishermen has been afraid to go out to sea because the asphalt is sticky and the fishes around the spill area have vanished,” said Amizaro, reported Detik, Wednesday (22/2).
Amizaro said that the contamination has also disrupted tourism in Afulu District, a popular surfing spot. He said the local government has met with the representatives of the vessel and hope the central government can provide support in dealing with the issue.
The tanker has been stranded in Faekhuna’a village since Saturday (11/2). It carries 1,900 tons of raw asphalt from the United Arab Emirates to Padang and Sibolga.
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The pollution has even affected the Toyolawa-Lahewa Water Conservation Area, and threatened the coast that becomes the nesting site of endangered turtles. (un)