Canal water turns red like blood, frightened locals say…, local media reports blood…

Attention was drawn to the canal on Thursday.

Written by: Tahir Qureshi Edited by: Tahir Qureshi

Updated: February 7, 2025, 4:19 PM IST

Share

Share Article

• Facebook
• WhatsApp
• X
• Email
• Telegram
• Linkedin

https://www.india.com/news/world/canal-water-turns-red-like-blood-in-sarandi-frightened-locals-say-local-media-reports-blood-could-be-buenos-aires-7598182/ Copy

(Images: X/@RT_India_news)

Buenos Aires: The water of a canal flowing near Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires has suddenly turned bright red. This has alarmed local residents. Attention was drawn to the canal on Thursday, February 6, when red water was seen flowing in it.

This canal, named Sarandi, borders an environmentally protected area. Thus, its colour change has raised environmental concerns. Argentina’s Ministry of Environment has sent water samples for testing. Only after the samples are analyzed will the government be able to determine the real reason for the canal’s water colour change.

Local media believes that the red colour of the water could be due to dyeing chemicals or chemical waste from a nearby depot. Residents say that several companies dump their waste into this canal. This canal passes through an area near the capital that has leather and textile factories, whose waste ends up in it.

Locals say that this is not the first instance of the river changing colour. The canal has changed colour before. People have also complained about a strong odour coming from the water.

A local woman told AFP that industries in the area dump waste into this canal. When the quantity increases, the colour of the river changes. This colour can be blue, light green, pink, or purple at times. A layer of grease is often seen on its water. This incident reflects the seriousness of environmental pollution.

Local people say that the government should pay attention to this issue. Additionally, it should take action against companies that are dumping toxic waste into the canal. Environmental activists say that the red colour of the Sarandi canal is a warning. It shows that the environment must be protected, or there could be serious consequences in the future.

In 2021, the water of a lake in the southern Patagonia region turned pink, drawing world’s attention. After testing the water of this lake, it was found that sodium sulfate, due to the use of antibacterial products, was the reason for this. Cases of continuous water pollution have been reported in Argentina.