Strong winds and heavy rains over the past two days have led to severe flooding in various parts of Romania. The flooding is posing a significant threat to one of Europe's largest salt reserves, the Praid salt mine. The mine is a popular destination, attracting around half a million tourists each year, thanks to its spectacular galleries, which include an adventure park and a chapel carved from salt.
Authorities have recently closed the mine due to flooding in the region, which is said to be the worst of its kind in the central county of Harghita in over 30 years.
The Corund River, which flows over the mine, has reached its highest water flow in decades, measuring 60 cubic meters per second following recent heavy rains. This sudden increase in flow has caused cracks to develop in the protective wall of the riverbed, allowing water to seep into the mine's gallery network. As a result, the stability of the supporting salt pillars has been compromised, raising serious concerns about the safety of the underground facilities.
The Praid Salt Mine in Romania, Europe, is a notable attraction along the Via Transilvanica trail, which runs through the village of Praid. This site has a rich history of salt extraction that dates back to Roman times and the Middle Ages.
Today, the salt mine has been transformed into a popular tourist destination and medical centre, offering a range of activities and health benefits. The underground environment maintains a stable temperature of 12 degrees Celsius and has a high salt concentration, which is believed to be beneficial for people with respiratory conditions.
Visitors can enjoy various attractions, including an amusement park with lakes, an amphitheater, and a Ferris wheel, making it a fun and engaging place to visit.