Citizens & residents assured by the government that the air quality is ‘safe’

Emergency teams have prepared themselves for any further developments.

A ‘limited defect’ to an oil tank leakage in Sitra had resulted in a strong odour wafting across the kingdom. 

According to the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE), daily monitoring indicators show that the ‘air quality levels in the kingdom are currently safe and within approved environmental standards’. The monitoring of air quality is conducted through seven fixed and mobile stations, along with devices for direct monitoring of atmospheric air pollutants.

Meanwhile, a video of Bapco Refining’s chief executive officer, Dr Abdul Rahman Jawahery, shedding light on the incident was shared on social media news sites.

He explained that the heavy rains and strong shifting winds created ‘unprecedented conditions’, specifically in a floating roof where a technical glitch occurred in one of the tanks.

Dr Jawahery then shared that the tank contained naptha, a liquid hydrocarbon, and expressed his pride in Bapco Refining's highly experienced Bahraini workforce, the SCE and Interior Ministry.

The company is working closely with the Interior Ministry, Public Security, Civil Defence, and the SCE to manage the situation.

“Designated task-forces are actively conducting routine environmental measurements in the affected area to ensure public safety and are handling the leak professionally,” added the government.

Emergency teams are prepared for any further developments and are on-site around the clock.