Peru grapples with disastrous oil spill after Tonga eruption

Crews in Peru have been working to clean up a major oil spill that was sparked by a volcanic eruption in the South Pacific island nation of Tongo. The powerful eruption unleashed tsunami waves that stretched across the Pacific — hitting an oil tanker that was unloading near Peru on January 15.

The extent of damage caused by the oil spill is becoming more visible. Dead birds and fish covered in oil have been washing up on Peru's shorelines. About 6,000 barrels of oil are believed to have spilled in to the sea, greatly damaging the marine ecosystem.

Fishing activities have been suspended and bathers on the beach have been replaced by workers in white biosafety suits. At least 21 beaches have been affected so far. Repsol, the Spanish company whose tanker sparked the oil spill, is currently responsible for cleanup efforts.

Peruvian President Pedro Castillo described the accident as the biggest "ecological disaster" to have affected the nation in recent years. The oil spill has impacted about 174 hectares — equivalent to 270 football fields — of sea, beaches and natural reserves.

Besides the fishing industry, tourism has also been majorly impacted by the fallout from the spill. The government estimates that economic losses could total more than $50 million ($56.7 million). Repsol says it is not responsible for the spill, arguing that Peruvian government should have issued a warning about rough seas.