Hungary toxic red sludge flood

Human and environmental tragedy

Human and environmental tragedy
The mining waste has covered over 40 km2, killing at least 4 people and injuring more then 120. In total 7,000 were directly affected by the poisonous flash flood.

“Currently it is impossible to do any sort of estimate of the magnitude of the damage done to nature,” said Gábor Figeczky, Acting CEO of WWF-Hungary.

“We expect further damages to fauna and flora, as the materials used in rescue operations and to neutralise alkaline are toxic as well. Some animals and plants die instantly, some will face the consequences of serious poisoning in the longer term. However there is still no clear information about the concentration of heavy metals in the red mud of this reservoir.”

The toxic mud can be dispersed in streams and rivers, threatening the Danube river and it’s tributaries.

It also has the potential to soak into the ground and be absorbed by plants. This has a devastating longer-term effect on the environment and people, since it may cause serious health problems, such as growing disorders.

Learn more about the Hungarian Disaster and WWF’s work in the region.