Blood-Red River Stirs Alarm Among Residents Near Buenos Aires

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A river on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, known as the Sarandi Canal, turned a startling blood-red color on February 8, 2025, alarming local residents and prompting concerns about pollution. Inhabitants of Avellaneda, approximately six miles from the Argentine capital, reported being awakened by a noxious smell emanating from the water. Resident María Ducomls expressed her horror, stating, "It looked like a river covered in blood; it's horrible," according to AFP.

The province's Ministry of the Environment has collected water samples to investigate the cause of the discoloration, suggesting it could be linked to "organic dye." The canal, which flows through an industrial area with textile and hide processing factories, has a history of pollution, with Ducomls noting its previous hues, including bluish and greenish shades, often accompanied by greasy surfaces.

By late afternoon, the river's color had begun to fade, although the concerns over pollution remain prevalent among the community, highlighting ongoing environmental issues in the region.

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