Oil spill from Syria headed towards Karpaz in north Cyprus

A major oil spillage originating from Syria is reportedly heading towards the Karpaz coast, in the northern part of Cyprus and it's only a matter of time before it get there. 

According to a report by Yeniduzen citing Kitas Weather, a significant oil spill occurred from the fuel tank of a power plant in the city of Baniyas last week.

The leak from the tank filled with 15,000 tons of fuel first covered an area of ​​25.5 square kilometres, and after five days, the leak spread to an area of ​​1,000 square kilometres.

The northwest section of the oil spill is located about 20 kilometres from Dipkarpaz and about 80 kilometres east of Famagusta in the north of Cyprus.

Sea currents that will affect the region in the coming days mean that the oil spill is expected to spread to the east coast of the island in the first stage. 

South Cyprus Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Costas Kadis announced that the leak will be in Karpaz within 24 hours.

Kadis said: "According to the latest simulation model tracking the spread of the oil spill, as well as available meteorological data, the spill is predicted to affect the area in the next 24 hours."

Authorities in the south also announced that they have formed a team to intervene if the spill reaches Larnaca, south Cyprus.