News
Sea scavengers develop rashes
Acid rains possible – MEPA
By Ifham Nizam
A large number of people who collected various items washed ashore from the MV X-Press Pearl, floating between Wattala and Negombo, had developed rashes, Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) said.
Despite warnings from the authorities to stay away from the goods from the ship, many people were seen wading the ocean scavenging for various items that were washing ashore.
The MEPA also said there was the possibility of acid rains as a result of the fumes coming from the burning ship.
MEPA Chairperson Dharshani Lahandapura said gases emitted into the atmosphere will mix with water particles in the upper atmosphere and cause acid rains.
MEPA identified seven highly polluted areas and deployed more than 900 tri-forces personnel for a cleaning campaign there.