Since June 7, 2019, a Whatsapp message has been circulating enumerating 4 recommendations supposedly addressed by Sonara to Limbé residents.
"The sky may have been greatly polluted with chemicals and acid contained in black smoke from the fire and wind may spread those clouds around Limbé and even to other places,” the message read.
The recommendations are as follows ;
-Don’t move under the rain to avoid being wounded or burnt by acid rain
- Don't drink rainwater or use it to cook or wash clothes because it may have been polluted
- Don’t stay outside early in the morning or late at night to avoid possible respiratory intoxication
- Drink a spoonful of palm oil every morning to protect yourself against intoxications.
In Limbé, despite the fire outbreak that destroyed four of the thirteen oil refineries, life is going on as usual. A journalist that was present during the visit of the minister of industry and mines Gaston Eloundou Essomba, confirms that these guidelines is a hoax.
It is therefore pointless to follow the recommendations. Were there significant environmental consequences, an official statement would have been issued.
R.S