Authorities contain oil spill in Luxor’s Nile River

CAIRO – 23 December 2017: The Nile Protection Department and Environment in Luxor, Southern Egypt, announced a state of emergency after an oil spill in the Nile River on Friday evening.


Oil Spill in Nile River, Luxor, Egypt – Press Photo


Oil Spill in Nile River, Luxor, Egypt – Press Photo


Oil Spill in Nile River, Luxor, Egypt – Press Photo

In accordance with the precautionary measures usually followed in such cases, the Luxor water station was temporarily suspended from 8 pm on Friday until 10 am on Saturday.


Oil Spill in Nile River, Luxor, Egypt – Press Photo


Oil Spill in Nile River, Luxor, Egypt – Press Photo


Oil Spill in Nile River, Luxor, Egypt – Press Photo


Oil Spill in Nile River, Luxor, Egypt – Press Photo

Legal proceedings are currently underway by the Nile Protection Department, Environment and Police, with the aim of finding the perpetrators and suing them.
It is worth mentioning that the penalty of polluting the Nile River is a fine of LE 50 to LE 200,000.


Oil Spill in Nile River, Luxor, Egypt – Press Photo


Oil Spill in Nile River, Luxor, Egypt – Press Photo


Oil Spill in Nile River, Luxor, Egypt – Press Photo

In April 2015, in Qena, a barge carrying phosphate capsized, leading to a spill.


Oil Spill in Nile River, Luxor, Egypt – Press Photo


Oil Spill in Nile River, Luxor, Egypt – Press Photo

According to official statements, the spill caused no long-term environmental damage.
Usually, floating hotels are accused of being behind those pollution cases, observers told Egypt Today.


Oil Spill in Nile River, Luxor, Egypt – Press Photo


Oil Spill in Nile River, Luxor, Egypt – Press Photo

Egypt is dependent on the Nile River for most of its water supply.