Russia oil refinery attacks trigger black rain and pollution fears after Ukraine drone strikes

Russia is facing growing environmental concerns after Ukrainian drone strikes hit a major oil refinery in the Black Sea town of Tuapse, causing fires, toxic smoke and reports of “black rain”.

According to Al Jazeera, the refinery was one of Russia’s largest, and was struck three times over recent weeks in attacks aimed at damaging the country’s oil industry.

Cleanup volunteer Sergei Solovev described the aftermath in Tuapse, while talking to Al Jazeera: “I saw train carriages covered in residue from the black rain and animals. It’s all very toxic. And the smell was oily.”

The first strike on April 16 sparked a fire that burned for two days.

Another attack on April 20 caused a larger blaze that lasted five days, sending thick smoke across the area. Air quality tests later found benzene, xylene and soot levels were three times above safe limits.

Residents were advised to stay indoors and wear masks outdoors as oily black rain reportedly coated streets, cars and animals.

A local volunteer Elena Lugovenko told Al Jazeera: “The rain covered all the cars and animals. All the animals are covered in oil. Volunteers have set up animal cleanup centres.”