Praid, Romania: Families Evacuated as Floods Threaten Salt Mine

Praid, Romania Faces Devastating Floods, Salt Mine Closure Exacerbates Crisis Heavy rainfall in Praid, Harghita County, Romania has led to severe flooding, forcing the evacuation of multiple families. The Corund stream, swollen by days of torrential rain, burst its banks, threatening homes and businesses. "The water level rose alarmingly fast," said one resident, "We barely had time to gather our belongings." Firefighters, gendarmes, and local residents worked tirelessly to construct a makeshift dike using sandbags, preventing further damage. The situation is further complicated by the recent closure of the Praid Salt Mine, which was a major source of employment for the town. Many residents are now facing both the immediate threat of flooding and the long-term uncertainty of their livelihoods. Authorities have temporarily halted the pumping of saline water from the mine due to fears of further ground instability. Despite the challenges, the community's spirit of cooperation and resilience shines through, as people work together to protect their homes and support each other during this difficult time.