Civil defence stuff setting a corridor to quarantine the diesel leaked area of the Ismailia Canal in Abu Zaabal, Qalyubia. Photo courtesy of Egyptian cabinet.
Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam stated on Saturday that he had received a report detailing the authorities' response to the incident on the Ismailia Canal, which connects the Nile River to the Suez Canal.
Field teams monitored the situation over two days, working alongside local water and irrigation officials, environmental authorities, petroleum companies, and emergency response units.
A specialized pollution control company deployed absorbent barriers to contain the spill and prevent its spread.
Investigations identified the source of the leak as a discharge line carrying cooling water mixed with petroleum products (diesel) within the Mostorod petroleum complex. Authorities said the source was immediately shut off.
The ministry confirmed that legal action has been taken against the responsible company under Law 48 of 1982 on the protection of the Nile River and waterways from pollution, with a violation report filed and formal warnings issued.
As a precaution, water withdrawal from affected sections of the Ismailia Canal was temporarily suspended in coordination with drinking water stations in Cairo, Qalioubiya, and Sharqiya until containment was confirmed.
Water balance measures were also implemented to maintain stable water levels and flows in the canal during the response period.
The ministry said monitoring efforts are ongoing to ensure the spill is fully contained and to prevent similar incidents in the future, stressing the importance of safeguarding water resources and public health.
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