Black River pollution near Romanian‑Hungarian border prompts bans

A large, unknown‑composition, strong‑smelling waste accumulated on the Black River (Fekete‑Körös) near the Dénesmajor area on the Romanian‑Hungarian border. Hungarian water authorities declared a third‑level water‑quality emergency, installed a floating barrier to contain the spill and began intensive sampling, with laboratory results expected within 48 hours. The contamination led to an immediate fishing ban along the entire Hungarian stretch of the river and temporary bathing prohibitions at several local beaches, while water extraction from the Békés reservoir was suspended as a precaution. Romanian officials were notified and joint monitoring is under way. No fish mortality has been reported yet, but authorities warn of ecological and public‑health risks until the waste is removed and the water quality restored.