Sludge Flooding Surges Through Hungary

KOLONTAR, Hungary - Flooding has been causing residents in hungary to escape. However, this is not the typical flooding we think of when large amounts of rain fall, or a large dam collapses. This flooding was caused by large amounts of red sludge originating in a nearby reservoir. The sludge was a bi-product coming from the process which turns bauxite into aluminum. A large corner of the reservoir broke on Monday killing four people and sending hundreds to hospitals to treat burns.

Residents have been waiting for officials to inform them more about the dangers of the sludge and the chemical content. It is apparent that the sludge has caused damage in the rivers nearby, killing all river life, and continues moving downstream. However, a positive outcome from all of this is the fact that the sludge plants will now be subject to inspections and residents have been promised their homes will be decontaminated.

From various points brought up in class, it is very important to understand and put into perspective the possible losses and damages a hazard will bring. Although this was a technological hazard and unexpected, it was noted that "The sludge reservoirs that dot the area are often poorly maintained...and are supposed to be closed once they are full, but some, like the one that broke this week, are large, and filling them can take decades" (Rosenthal, New York Times).  

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/07/world/europe/07hungary.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hpw