HUMANITARIAN AID FOR THE RED SLUDGE VICTIMS, HUNGARY

HUMANITARIAN AID FOR THE RED SLUDGE VICTIMS, HUNGARY

1.         On 4^th October, 2010, Hungary was struck by the largest ecological disaster in recent time when the dam of the sludge reservoir of an aluminum factory “Magyar Aluminium ZRt” in Ajka, Western Hungary ruptured. The highly toxic red sludge had inundated the counties and settlements around Kolontar and Devecse and claimed many lives, destroyed properties, crops and livestock. This catastrophe has had a direct impact on the people as they were virtually uprooted from their homes and their livelihoods were threatened due to the contamination to land and water.

2.         As a show of support, solidarity, and to mitigate their sufferings, the Embassy of Malaysia and the other four ASEAN Embassies in Budapest (the Embassies of Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and the Embassy of the people’s Republic of Vietnam), initiated a Humanitarian Aid effort for the Red Sludge victims.

3.         The ASEAN communities, including the private sector companies, have responded positively despite the short notice. They have contributed a staggering amount of HUF 1.8 million which has been used to purchase much needed items, such as dried and non-perishable foodstuff, bottled drinking water, blankets and safety equipments. These goods were handed over by the ASEAN Ambassadors and its representatives to the President of the Hungarian National Red Cross on 14 October 2010.

4.         The enthusiasm and support shown by the Malaysian and ASEAN communities in Hungary towards this noble cause was testimony of the societies’ caring nature.  Indeed, it is also a great pride that the communities in Hungary have illustrated their solidarity and compassion to the victims of the disaster, while discharging its social obligation through the donation.