Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Oil catastrophe in Venezuela.


Today is the fourth day of the enormous fire at an oil refinery in Venezuela. This devastating fire has already left 48 people dead, and the Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez declared three days of national mourning and promised an investigation of the case. The fire started as gas leak, which lead to a big explosion.  The reason that The President decided starting an investigation on that case is that many people were worried and they  wonder how this enormous fire has started.

 
A fire at Venezuela's biggest oil refinery continues to burn, two days after it was sparked by a gas leak. – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-19389919

A gas leak should simply not happen at an oil refinery! However, the president of Venezuela denied that the oil refinery is in poor conditions.  When journalists implied it, he said: “Lack of maintenance? Who could possibly say this? Only someone who is irresponsible.”
 “We must announce that a third tank... is on fire,” said Energy and Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez, Monday morning. The fire is causing big environmental problems. The Authorities said 209 homes and 11 businesses had been affected.  Many families were forced to leave their homes and belongings. The fire and smoke are letting out many gases that are very toxic and dangerous for us, human beings but also wildlife. Even when the fire stops, we will still be able to see what a big damage it caused to the environment but also local people. I’m sure many people have lost their jobs, and now they will have problems with supporting their own families. This accident is one the most deadly oil industry accidents in recent years.

 
The Amuay refinery produces 645,000 barrels of oil per day.