Water experts are still assessing the scale of the devastation, but it is clear that the implications will be felt for years to come. Danger Area Baia Mare is a town of 130,000 inhabitants in Northwest Romania. Baia Mare has since then become heavily industrialised. In the sixties, the Ceaucescu regime lost no time to explore these natural resources. Mining activities have brought - not prosperity, but at least jobs to the poor North West of Romania.
Life expectancy is ten times lower than in other cities in Romania.
Cyanide Spill Disaster struck earlier this year when a dam around a wastewater reservoir of the Aurul gold mine collapsed after heavy rain and snow. At least 100,000 cubic meters of water contaminated with deadly poisonous cyanide, a chemical used in refining gold ore, got out. Farmers in Bozinta are worried about the effects on the health of plants, livestock and people. When spring comes and the snow has melted, they'll see the full extent of the pollution. They fear that fields and wells are badly polluted and that cattle will be poisoned when they go out into the open.