ACID rains likely due to X-PRESS PEARL blaze; take precautions

COLOMBO (News 1st): There is a possibility of slight ACID RAINS in addition to the polluted beaches along the Western coast of Sri Lanka due to the distressed MV X-PRESS PEARL, the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) warned on Friday (May 28). "We observed that the emission of Nitrogen Dioxide from the MV X-PRESS PEARL was massive. With the emission of Nitrogen Dioxide gas in the rainy season, there could be slight acid rains," Dharshani Lahandapura, the Chairperson of the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) told News 1st. Thereby, the MEPA Chairperson sternly advised the general public to be vigilant regarding such inclement weather. "Especially, the people in the close proximity to the coastal belt, should remain vigilant and ensure that you do NOT expose yourself to rain these days," Dharshani Lahandapura emphasized. The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) has taken all appropriate measures to conduct beach clean-up procedures as soon as possible to avert the risks of pollution caused as a result of the MV X-PRESS PEARL. According to the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), the fire aboard the distressed vessel MV X-PRESS PEARL continues to blaze although the situation has been brought under control to a greater extent as of Friday afternoon (May 28). "The density of the flames is reducing. Two tug boats are still engaged in firefighting missions and boundary calls. Vessels from the Indian Coast Guard and tug boats from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Sri Lanka Navy are monitoring the situation," Dharshani Lahandapura, the Chairperson of the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) told News 1st. According to the MEPA Chairperson, the situation inside the Engine Room of the MV X-PRESS PEARL as well as the oil tanks is yet unknown. "As the Marine Environment Protection Authority, we are closely monitoring the situation, with regard to any oil spills. However, as of now, there is NO sign of any oil spill," Lahandapura noted.