Massive Oil Spill Hits Russia’s Astrakhan Region

An oil spill covering roughly 35,000 square meters has been observed in Russia’s Astrakhan region.

The spill occurred in the Krivaya Bolda River, part of the Volga River Delta, the regional office of Russia's Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources (Rosprirodnadzor), The Caspian Post reports via Xinhua.

Authorities said that following reports earlier this month, an inspection confirmed that petroleum had contaminated 35,258 square meters of river water. Rosprirodnadzor is investigating to identify those responsible and assess the environmental damage, while noting that the situation remains under control.