There is an ecological disaster happening right now in Hungary. Hungary has been hit by flooding of a toxic sludge. The sludge, which is reddish in color originates from an alumina plant in Ajka, named Timfoldgyar. The reddish color liquid is a bi-product of aluminium production, and contains heavy metals.

If the sludge is ingested, it is poisonous, and if it touches a person’s skin it can cause severe burns. So far there are 4 known deaths due to contact with the sludge. Additionally more than 120 injuries have been reported.

Right now, the goal of Hungarian officials is to prevent the red sludge from entering waterways in Hungary. A state of emergency has been declared in 3 of the Western Hungary counties. At least 7 towns have been hit by the flooding including Devecser, Somlovasarhely, and Kolontal. The method currently being used to bind the sludge and keep it from reaching the Danube River and Raba River, is pouring plaster into waterways. This only seems to be working to a certain degree.

According to estimates, about 36 million cubic feet of toxic sludge has leaked out of the reservoir, and has effected more than 15 square miles in Hungary.

Officials believe the bad news will continue in Hungary, as the cleanup of toxic sludge may take up to a year to finish. When all is said and done, there may be dozens of deaths, and thousands of injuries, on top of millions of dollars in damage.

Have any of our readers come in contact with the sludge?