The Praid Salt Mine, one of Transylvania’s most treasured natural assets, has faced a severe and alarming threat over the past few weeks.
Residents in the surrounding area have lived through days filled with anxiety and fear, as underground instability intensified, forcing dozens of families to leave their homes.
Amid this tension, Raed Arafat, Secretary of State for the Interior Ministry, visited the site personally and shared updates that—while cautiously hopeful—forecast a prolonged struggle ahead.
For now, residents cannot return. The greatest danger currently stems from what is known as microseismic activity, meaning small but continuous ground tremors.
Though often imperceptible on the surface, these movements can cause significant structural weakening deep beneath the earth.
Experts unanimously emphasize that at least two to three months of uninterrupted monitoring and measurement are necessary before responsibly declaring the area safe for inhabitants to come back.
Meanwhile, intensive interventions continue in the region. One of the most critical elements is water—especially the Korond stream, which for years has been eroding the soil layers beneath the mining system.
To counteract this, two new protective dams have been constructed along the upper course of the stream, aiming to slow water flow and prevent further ground subsidence and damage.
At the same time, reducing the salinity of the river plays a key role, since high salt concentrations pose serious environmental and health hazards.
Arafat reported that these newly built barriers have already produced positive effects.
The salt level in the Kis-Küküllő river has noticeably decreased, providing relief mainly to livestock farmers, as the watering sources no longer threaten the animals’ health.
However, for people the problem remains: potable water suitable for human consumption is still available only at 48 designated points for roughly 39,000 affected residents.
Local authorities work daily to establish new water supply sites, yet distribution remains strained and far from ideal.
Despite the disaster, the locals refuse to give up. The families displaced are patiently waiting, holding onto hope, while striving to reorganize their daily lives.
The government is also intensifying its focus on the area: special funds have been allocated, and geologists and engineers have been assigned to continuously monitor ground movements, water levels, and the mine’s condition.
Protecting the Praid Salt Mine is not merely an economic matter. It is a symbol of the region, a cornerstone of local identity and tourism.
Every year it attracts over half a million visitors, with its therapeutic climate and historic significance making it a heritage passed down through generations.
If saved, it will represent not only an engineering and ecological triumph but also a profound morale boost for the entire community.
At the press conference’s conclusion, Arafat made clear: salvation is possible but demands perseverance and solidarity.
As he stated, “We are not stopping. We have not lost the mine yet.”
The local people—though exhausted and worn—can now dare to hope again. Because even if the ground trembled beneath their feet, their faith, unity, and determination can be stronger than any fissure.
The story of the Praid Salt Mine is far from over—it may well be that the chapter of restoration is only just beginning, along with the rebirth of an entire community.
