MOSCOW, December 26. /TASS/. A state of federal-level emergency has been introduced following a fuel oil spill in the Black Sea caused by the tankers accident, the Russian Emergencies Ministry told TASS.
"Given the current situation and the reports we have received, I propose classifying the emergency caused by the tanker wreck in the Kerch Strait as a federal-level incident and initiating a federal-level response," Russian Emergencies Minister Alexander Kurenkov stated.
He noted that "this classification will enable the deployment of additional resources and personnel from federal executive authorities and state corporations, as well as provide necessary financial assistance to the affected entities from the Russian government’s reserve fund."
According to the ministry, the total length of the observed area along the Krasnodar Region's coast is currently 220 kilometers. "Cleanup efforts continue in five sectors - one near Temryuk and four others in Anapa," the ministry reported. "Approximately 30,000 tons of contaminated sand and soil have been collected, with more than 23,500 tons transported to collection sites," the agency added.
A total of 295 square kilometers of water area in the Kerch Strait have been surveyed. The treated water area now covers more than 29,000 square kilometers. Additionally, 450 meters of booms have been deployed. In the seaport of Anapa, approximately 5 square kilometers of coastline have been cleaned. Volunteers have rescued 1,154 birds. Over 10,000 people and 360 pieces of equipment are currently involved in the emergency response efforts.