Oil slick affects water sources in Ecuador, Peru

(Vatican Radio) Experts are trying to isolate and disperse an oil slick, which leached into the waterways of Ecuador and Peru, and could reach Brazil further downstream.

Heavy rains on 31 May caused a landslide, which fractured 100 metres of the trans-Ecuador pipeline. Subsequently, an estimated 1.6 million litres of crude oil leaked out.

Some of that oil reached the Quijos River and then the Coca and Napo rivers, which are connected to the Amazon. The drinking water system of Coca City was affected. So, Petro Ecuador supplied bottled water and drew water from uncontaminated areas.

Peru will be affected by the leak and Ecuador's President Rafael Correa has apologized. He said the Peruvian Navy is helping Ecuador clean up the spill.

The pipeline, however, has been repaired and Ecuador has resumed pumping oil.

Listen to the report by James Blears: