Mori

Specialised teams from the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) based in Delhi and Mumbai are on-site in Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district to contain a massive gas well blowout that has been burning since January 5.

Crews are clearing debris around the well to gain a clear line of sight, an official said on Wednesday.

The blaze at the Mori-5 well, triggered by a gas leak, reached heights of 20 metres and a width of 25 metres, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents from nearby Mori and Irusumanda villages. Officials said the intensity of the fire has now reduced.

A blowout occurs when crude oil or natural gas escapes uncontrollably from a well following the failure of pressure control systems.

Konaseema district joint collector T Nisanthi said ONGC will decide on a plan of action once the firefighters get a clear view of the well and determine whether to cap it or call in expertise from Wild Well Control, a US-headquartered firm specialising in emergency well control.

“They have teams from Mumbai and Delhi. Once debris is cleared and a clear line of sight is obtained, a plan of action will be chalked out — whether to cap the well themselves or seek Wild Well Control’s assistance,” Nisanthi said.

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Over 450 evacuees from the affected villages may now choose to stay in relief centres or return to their homes, the joint collector added.