2,400 Animals Die in Oil Spill in Colombia

For weeks, an oil spill has been poisoning a large site in the basin of the Magdalena, a major river in Colombia. A state-owned oil company, that conservationists say is responsible for the spill, reports that 550 barrels have been lost. But environmental activists place the volume at 24,000 barrels—almost a million gallons.

The spill has also impacted the Sogamoso and Lizama rivers. Reports put animal deaths at 2,400. Over 1,200 animals have been rescued. Residents have lost their water supply. And some who depend upon fishing have lost their livelihood. Several people have been relocated or become sick due to oil contamination.

Activists allege the oil company was too slow to react. Environment officials are investigating the incident.