March 2025 oil spill in Esmeraldas provinceCEFR A1
27 Oct 2025
Adapted from Latin America Bureau, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Alexander Van Steenberge, Unsplash
- A large oil spill hit Esmeraldas province.
- The spill happened in March 2025 at night.
- People smelled diesel at about 8:30 pm.
- Alejandro Bone and neighbours followed the Caple River.
- They found the river water black with oil.
- A broken pipeline made a geyser 17 meters high.
- Oil flowed more than 80 km to the Pacific Ocean.
- At least nine beaches were heavily polluted.
- Fish died when small tributaries lost oxygen.
- Volunteers sent water, filters and basic supplies.
Difficult words
- spill — To flow out of a container.
- pollute — To make dirty or harmful.polluted
- scared — Feeling afraid or worried.
- water — Clear liquid we drink.
- families — Groups of people related by blood.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do oil spills affect local communities?
- What can we do to help the environment?
- Why is clean water important for families?
Related articles
New models rethink the insides of Uranus and Neptune
A University of Zurich team created new interior models for Uranus and Neptune. The work shows the planets could be rock-rich or water-rich, helps explain their odd magnetic fields, and says we need dedicated missions to learn more.
Experimental vaccine gives lasting protection in mice against CCHF
A new mouse study reports an experimental vaccine that produced rapid protection and antibodies that lasted up to 18 months. Researchers say a booster strengthened and extended immune responses and plan manufacturing steps before human trials.
Milk glands in many mammals have receptors for H5N1
A study found that milk gland tissue from pigs, sheep, goats, beef cattle, alpacas and humans contains sialic acid receptors that can let H5N1 attach to cells. Researchers warn of surveillance and concerns about raw milk from mammals.