Costly clean up after Hungary’s toxic sludge spill

06/10/10 17:04 CET

world news

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Authorities in Hungary say the clean up operation from the industrial toxic mud spill will cost millions of euros and take up to one year to cleanse.

The sludge, a bi-product from the production of aluminium, has already claimed the lives of four people and emergency services are in a desperate battle to halt the sludge before it contaminates the River Danube.

Hungary has declared a state of emergency in three counties with at least seven villages and towns swamped by the toxic sludge.

Many people have been suffering from burns and eye irritations as a result of the corrosive elements in the mud.

Reports suggest that as many as 7,000 people have been directly affected by the waste.

The sludge broke free when a dam at the alumina plant burst after days of torrential rain.

Investigators are probing the possibility that the`ecological catastrophe’ was caused by human error.

More about: Hungary toxic sludge spill, Pollution, Toxic waste

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Mali: Rebel groups agree to creation of Islamic state

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