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Airborne Laser Scanning and Aerial Hyperspectral Imaging Technologies in Disaster Management: Hungary, Kolontár Red-Mud Spill

Problem Description / Relevance to Water Security: 

On October 4, 2010 the embankment of the red mud reservoir failed and released a mixture of 600-700 thousand cubic meters of red mud and water. The mud, a byproduct of refining aluminium from bauxite ore, was dangerously alkaline, extremely salty and contained potentially toxic metals like chromium and vanadium. Lower parts of the settlements of Kolontár, Devecser and Somlóvásárhely villages were flooded. Ten people died, and another 120 people were injured. The red mud flooded 800 hectares of surrounding areas.

ICT Application / Outcome: 

Survey and analysis of the effects of red mud disaster-prone area and information service for authorities:

Application of Multi-Sensor Remote Sensing for Flood Protection Planning Over the Sajó Valley

Problem Description / Relevance to Water Security: 

The project was set up following the flooding of 2010, when Hungary experienced a record rainfall in May and June and consequently a nation-wide flood came about on smaller and larger rivers. The most affected areas and settlements were in the Sajó valley. An approximately 100 year return period flood wave arrived to the Hungarian border in June 2010 that increased to a once-in-200 year flood on the lower parts of the river.

ICT Application / Outcome: 

The Sajó valley airborne laser scanning and aerial digital imagery have been made on 121 km2 area in Hungary (17th June 2013), and on 190 km2 area in Slovakia (17-18th July 2013).