In brief
An unusual incident has occurred in a canal located in the Sarandí area on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, where local residents experienced alarm as the water transformed into a striking bright red color. Eyewitnesses and videos displayed the bizarre hue of the water flowing towards the Rio de la Plata, which is adjacent to an ecological reserve. Initial investigations by local media suggest that this alarming phenomenon could stem from the disposal of textile dyes or possible chemical waste from nearby industries.
Following the incident, the Environment Ministry announced that it has taken water samples from the Sarandí canal to analyze the underlying cause of this color change. By late afternoon, the vibrancy of the water's color had begun to fade, according to reports by AFP. Local residents have long alleged that many businesses in the area improperly dispose of hazardous waste into the waterway, which runs through regions dominated by leather and textile manufacturing, approximately 10 kilometers from Buenos Aires' city center. A resident named Silvia described her experience, stating, "Although it's red now, there were times it was yellow and had an acidic smell that made us sick." Another local, Maria Ducomls, highlighted the range of colors observed in the canal over time, reporting varied appearances including "bluish, a little green, pink, a little lilac, with grease on top." Environmental concerns continue to rise in the area, demanding urgent attention and accountability from industries.
