In a shocking environmental incident, the Sarandí Canal, located in Avellaneda, a suburb of Buenos Aires, Argentina, turned a vivid red on Thursday, sparking concern among local residents and prompting an official investigation into potential industrial pollution. The eerie sight, accompanied by a strong and unpleasant odor, disturbed the community and led to immediate inquiries from environmental authorities.
Maria Ducomls, a local resident, described the unsettling scene: “The smell woke us up. During the day, when we looked at the river, it was completely red, as if covered in blood. It was horrifying,” she told reporters. The alarming incident occurred in the early hours, prompting locals to fear that something hazardous might be polluting the water.
Upon receiving reports about the discolored canal, the Buenos Aires Province’s Environmental Ministry responded quickly. On Thursday morning, they collected water samples to determine the cause of the sudden discoloration. Preliminary tests indicated the presence of an “organic dye” in the water, though authorities have not confirmed the exact source yet.
Residents have long been concerned about pollution in the canal, suspecting nearby leather and textile factories of discharging toxic dyes and chemicals into the water. These factories are located near the waterway, which ultimately flows into the Río de la Plata, the river that forms the border between Argentina and Uruguay. Local resident Silvia mentioned that the canal had previously turned yellow, with an acidic smell that caused discomfort and even sore throats. Ducomls added that over the years, the river had been seen in various colors, including blue, green, pink, purple, and grey, often covered with a greasy sheen resembling oil.
This latest incident has reignited worries about industrial pollution in the area. The canal, which has long been a subject of local concern, has shown unusual colors and signs of contamination for years. Many residents claim that they have filed complaints about the water quality since the 1990s, but little has been done to address the ongoing pollution. In addition to these unsettling reports, several environmental contamination cases remain unresolved.
Authorities have pledged to continue their investigation and to take appropriate measures to address the pollution problem and prevent further incidents. Residents, however, are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of effective action, and many are calling for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations to protect the local ecosystem and public health.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing environmental challenges faced by communities living near industrial areas. The case highlights the urgent need for stricter oversight and regulation to ensure that pollution from factories does not continue to threaten the health of the waterway and its surrounding population.
