A flood of toxic waste

A state of emergency has been declared in Hungary, in Europe, after parts of the country were swamped with deadly red sludge, about 100 miles from the capital, Budapest.

Two women, a young man and a three-year-old child were killed in the floods, and scores of locals suffered burns and eye irritation from contact with the red waters.

The company, which already wants to resume production, also claimed in a statement that there was no way for them to know the resevoir was in danger of breaking. However local environmentalists say they have been warning authorities about the health risks of the red sludge for years (CBC).

The sludge, which has already contaminated Hungary's Marcal River, is only 45 miles away from the Danube; Europe's second longest river and home to many wildlife species. If the toxic waste water enters the Danube, rivers and lakes in 12 European countries will be at risk.

 The Hungarian government says it will take at least a year, and cost millions of pounds, to clean up the damage caused by the spill.

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