A “DRILLING ACCIDENT” TO THE BIRTH OF A MUD VOLCANO

A disaster caused by industry

In 2006, the company PT Lapindo Brantas, proceeds to an exploratory drilling when, less than 500m from its well, suddenly gushes Mud. The phenomenon quickly takes the magnitude. From this mud fountain, 50.000 m3 per day of blackish, smelly, hot and viscous mud gush out! Factories, but also houses were submerged. Attempts to plug the flood failed and dykes were quickly built to limit the expansion of the growing mud lake.

What are the consequences ?

Six months later, the situation is still difficult: 45O hectares are covered with mud, more than 10,000 habitants have been evacuated, the mud is still gushing, land subsidence is occurring, roads and railroads are now closed because it is no longer possible to protect them from the muddy invasion.

In the face of public outrage, a month after the eruption, the company apologized and they announce that they will give a compensation.

Then the 2008 financial crisis hit, and payments began to slow.

In December 2014, the national government finally stepped in. Newly elected President Joko Widodo loaned Lapindo $45.5 million to finance the outstanding compensations.

Essay about hot mud flow in east Java, Indonesia

A “DRILLING ACCIDENT” TO THE BIRTH OF A MUD VOLCANO: SIDOARJO

A disaster caused by industry

What are the consequences ?

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