March 2025 oil spill in Esmeraldas provinceCEFR A2
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 in March 2025. Residents first noticed a strong diesel smell at about 8:30 pm. Local leader Alejandro Bone and neighbours followed the Caple River and found black water. At the rupture site a geyser of oil rose nearly 17 meters from a broken pipeline.
The oil flowed downstream for more than 80 km to the Pacific Ocean. It polluted at least nine beaches and closed three to the public. Ten families arrived in Quinindé the same night with only backpacks. People said they felt a burning sensation in their chests and worried about using river water for drinking, cooking and washing.
Official numbers about the spilled volume differed. The Minister of Energy first said 4,000 barrels. Petroecuador later said closer to 25,000, before numbers were adjusted again. A United Nations report said more than 300 hectares of farmland were affected and over 4,500 fishers lost their main income.
Difficult words
- spill — a release of liquid substance accidentally.
- community — a group of people living together.
- escape — to get away from danger or harm.
- environment — the natural world around us.
- polluted — contaminated by harmful substances.
- wildlife — animals and plants living in nature.
- support — to help or assist someone.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do you think oil spills affect wildlife?
- What can communities do to prevent oil spills?
- Why is quick action important after an environmental disaster?
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