VIDEO: Iconic Transylvanian attraction threatened by dramatic flooding after torrential rains
The iconic salt mine in Praid (Parajd), one of Transylvania’s most famous tourist attractions and a vital part of the region’s economy, is facing an unprecedented crisis after days of torrential rain led to severe flooding. On 27 May, locals witnessed a dramatic scene as the ground above the salt mine gave way and the swollen Korond Stream vanished underground, pouring directly into the mine’s tunnels.
Transylvania sees record rainfall
Drone footage captured by Székelyhon shows the scale of the disaster: two temporary riverbeds, built to divert water away from the mine, have turned into massive sinkholes. The underground chambers are filling rapidly, and the full extent of the damage remains unknown. Local volunteers’ efforts to reinforce makeshift dams were quickly overwhelmed by the sheer force and volume of water—levels not seen in over 30 years.
The crisis began after Monday’s intense rainfall caused the Korond Stream’s flow to surge by a hundredfold. Debris tore through protective barriers, and the water found a direct path into the mine. Emergency crews managed to salvage what they could from visitor areas, but the entire mining complex is now inaccessible. Work has been suspended, and heavy machinery stands idle until water levels recede.
The National Salt Industry Company (SALROM) has expressed solidarity with the local community, promising to do everything possible to save the mine. However, even SALROM cannot yet estimate the full scale of the damage. For now, the fate of Praid’s salt mine—and the livelihoods it supports—hangs in the balance, awaiting both local and national solutions.
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