EU
and UN deploy joint expert team following
reports of highly toxic cargo
Geneva/Nairobi, 10 July 2008-A joint European
Union-United Nations expert team is being
deployed today to the Philippines at the
request of national authorities to assess
the situation of a capsized ferry containing
large quantities of highly toxic chemicals.
"We must ensure
that the human tragedy of this ferry collapse
is not compounded by the leakage of these
pesticides" said Stavros Dimas, Commissioner
for the Environment and Civil Protection.
"Europe is putting its solidarity with
the Philippines into practice by providing
its assistance. Our expertise has been highly
valued in similar emergencies in recent
years, and as ever we will do all we can
to assist the people of the Philippines".
The 'Princess of the
Stars' ferry boat capsized on Saturday 21
June about three kilometers from the shore
of Sibuyan Island in the central Philippines,
as Typhoon Fengshen was moving through the
area.
The ferry, bound for Cebu
Island, central Visayas, was carrying 849
passengers. Only 56 survived, while the
rest remain unaccounted for, believed to
have been trapped inside the ferry. Efforts
to recover the bodies were suspended following
the discovery of a cargo of large quantities
of highly toxic pesticides, in addition
to an estimated 100,000 litres of fuel.
Of particular concern
are the chemicals endosulfan, carbofuran,
and methamidophos. Unknown quantities of
other highly toxic pesticides-namely antracol,
tamaron, nicolsamide and carbamate-have
been reported to be among the cargo.
Potentially further
complicating matters is the current typhoon
season, which could wreak havoc on the stability
of the capsized vessel.
"If not handled
properly, this could be a disaster upon
a disaster," stated Vladimir Sakharov,
Chief of the Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment
Unit (JEU). "Leakage of the ferry's
toxic cargo would cause major ecological
damage and thereby have a terrible impact
on the livelihoods of people living in the
region."
The team, comprising a marine chemist, an
eco-toxicologist and a civil protection
expert, is expected to spend one week in
the Philippines to help provide a clear
overview of the situation, determine priority
needs, and identify any gaps in international
aid being offered and/or provided.
The mission is a joint
initiative of the European Commission's
Monitoring and Information Centre(MIC) and
the JEU, integrated into the Emergency Services
Branch of the UN Office for the Coordination
of Humanitarian Affairs(OCHA).
The mission will be
supported on-site by the Government of the
Philippines, the EU Delegation, and relevant
UN agencies in-country most notably the
UN Development Programme(UNDP) and the World
Health Organization(WHO). Findings and recommendations,
including possible additional international
assistance, will be reported by the expert
team at the conclusion of its mission.
Notes to editors:
The Monitoring and Information Centre(MIC),
operated by the European Commission in Brussels,
is the operational heart of the Community
Mechanism for Civil Protection. It is available
on a 24/7 basis, and provides countries
access to the community civil protection
platform. Any country affected by a major
disaster-inside or outside the EU-can launch
a request for assistance through the MIC.
During emergencies the MIC plays three important
roles: serving as a communications hub for
the exchange of requests and offers of assistance;
providing information on civil protection
preparedness and response to participating
states as well as a wider audience of interested
stakeholders; supporting co-ordination of
the provision of European assistance.
Further information can be found here: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/civil/prote/mic.htm
The Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit(JEU)
is a collaborative effort between two UN
bodies-the UN Environment Programme(UNEP)and
the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian
Affairs(OCHA)that mobilizes and coordinates
international response to environmental
emergencies. It serves to mobilize and coordinate
international assistance for environmental
emergencies, and helps countries to improve
their preparedness to respond to environmental
emergencies. The JEU works with affected
countries to identify and mitigate acute
negative impacts stemming from emergencies,
providing independent, impartial advice
and practical solutions. It also works with
organizations dedicated to medium and long-term
rehabilitation to ensure a seamless transition
to the disaster recovery process.
Nick NUTTALL, Spokesperson, UNEP in Nairobi,
Kenya
