Disaster Management and the Red Sludge - Lecture from Attila Nyikos

I imagine that this is how citizens of Hungary
felt after the Red Sludge incident. It is hard
for me to imagine such a disaster happening
to my home in Burlington, Vermont.

       Today the JSBPer’s set out for another field studies adventure. This time Dr. Attila Nyikos presented us with information regarding the National Disaster Management within Hungary. The main focus of the presentation was the Red Sludge disaster that occurred in Ajka, Hungary about a year ago, on October 4^th, 2010. Attila Nyikos was a humorous man, constantly telling jokes throughout his presentation. He also displayed his information and lecture with a PowerPoint presentation, which was really enjoyable and refreshing because we NEVER see that in our classes, presentations or lectures here in Budapest.

This is one of the many pictures of the Red Sludge
incident.

            The disaster management within Hungary is a law enforcement, fire and civil protection agency. They are focused on the response to disaster situations, recovery efforts, and prevention methods. A circular image was shown when discussing this aspect of the Disaster Management, connecting response, recovery, and prevention. Dr. Attila Nyikos explained that the response effort (how they react to disasters and save lives) during the Red Sludge incident only took about seven minutes. This is amazing! Considering what it entails to bring a recovery team to a natural disaster, the citizens of Hungary really worked hard to get to the Ajka site quickly. It made me happy to see people helping other people in times of need. The recovery efforts included the rebuilding of homes and reestablishing of water and electricity within Kolontar and Devescer (two of the cities destroyed by the sludge). The public has regarded the efforts as very effective, helpful, and positive. I think that it is it really inspiring to know that the citizens of Hungary appreciate the efforts from the Disaster Management recoveries. Dr. Attila Nyikos also explained how he is an extremely important individual within the disaster management system. It was stimulating to hear him discuss how he makes a huge effort to help evacuate the citizens of an area effected by a natural disaster. He discussed how the European Union funds transportation for citizens in times of need, as well as food and shelter.

We have learned that as the year has passed the Sludge has become much more neutral throughout Hungary, allowing for people to rebuild and live in these towns once again. This picture shows that masks and full body suits were necessary within the first days especially because the science was not established yet.

            Besides the Red Sludge incident, Dr. Attila Nyikos discussed other natural disasters within Hungary. I found this interesting to learn about because I was unaware that frequent floods, especially with inland waters such as the Danube, and transportation of hazardous materials by roadway or water are major disasters that frequently happen within this country.

            Overall, Dr. Attila Nyikos was a very interesting and well ranked man within the Natural Disaster Management program of the European Union. His presentation was very informative and made me appreciate people helping others during times of need. Whether an average citizen or a high-ranking worker in the EU, everyone can make a difference and help the community during natural disasters. Another great field studies!

Link - Even though it's just Wikipedia - this will give a quick and easy background of the incident

Link - News report of the sludge - discussing the fear of another disaster

This is a video showing many pictures of the accident - notice how high the Red Sludge is on the houses!

I like this video much better - it shows a good view of the accident from the air. It is interesting, yet terrifying to see.

This is the best video - unlike other one's I have seen. Really shows what it was like those first couple of days - again notice how high the sludge was on the houses.