Praid Salt Mine Flood: EU Experts Race Against Time to Avert Catastrophe

Praid Salt Mine Flood: EU Experts Join Emergency Response The Praid Salt Mine in Harghita County, Romania, is facing a major crisis after severe flooding. The situation is critical, with significant water infiltration into the mine's galleries, threatening the entire structure. In response, Romanian authorities have received international support, welcoming a team of European specialists from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. This team, composed of environmental experts, geologists, and engineers, is working alongside Romanian specialists to assess the situation and create a plan of action. "The situation remains critical," stated Carmen Bădilă, correspondent for Stirile Kanal D, reporting live from Praid. "Sensors have been installed to monitor vibrations and potential ground movement in real time." The experts are using advanced techniques to evaluate the extent of the damage and the instability of the mine ceiling. Drones are planned to analyze the internal structure of the flooded galleries. Meanwhile, work is underway to divert the Corund stream, whose waters are a major contributor to the flooding. This complex intervention is expected to last around 30 days. The high concentration of salt in the Corund stream, exceeding 3 grams per liter, poses a lethal threat to aquatic life. Over 50,000 people in Mureș County are unable to use tap water due to the elevated chloride levels. Authorities have started distributing potable water from state reserves. The collaborative effort between Romanian and EU specialists highlights the international commitment to addressing this environmental emergency and protecting the local community.