„To Keep Life Going, the Salt Mine Must Be Saved” – Report from Disaster-Stricken Parajd (VIDEO)

The local representatives we contacted either didn’t answer their phones or deflected interest by stating that only one person was authorized to speak: László Nyágrus, mayor of the Harghita County village with about 4,000 residents. But he was difficult to reach. This is somewhat understandable, as in recent days he’s been attending crisis meetings starting each morning at the „hermetically sealed” headquarters of the mining company. Its locked gate and fence were marked in large letters, in both Romanian and Hungarian: „Private Property,” discouraging any trespassers. Not only journalists but also representatives of various domestic and Hungarian aid organizations loitered around the mine’s headquarters, hoping the mayor might emerge.

Hospitality plans revolve solely around salt

We tried to reach several hospitality providers by phone, but most refused to speak. One who did answer said that anything she’d say about the mine’s leadership wouldn’t be fit to print. Another woman, holding back tears, lamented that she had no bookings for June despite preparing for the season and spending a fortune renovating her guesthouse — and now everything is lost. When asked whether tourists might return later, she dismissed it as a dream: people came for the salt mine. „No salt mine, no tourism — and you can’t even hike much around here because the bears will eat you,” she said, concluding our conversation on a bitter note.

the Békás Gorge, and other parts of the Székely region — of course, also those visiting the salt mine. She believes the crisis has hit those hosts the hardest who are nearest to the mine and cater specifically to health treatment visitors.

„The biggest problem with hospitality in Parajd is that everything is built up around the salt mine. Whatever free time tourists typically had in the afternoon, they’d spend walking around the Bear Lake in Sovata or visiting the butterfly house in Parajd. Everything revolved around the mine,” the host emphasized. As a founding member of the Sóvidék-Hegyalja Tourism Association (established in 2007), Zsuzsa Ágoston believes future tourism plans must continue to focus on salt. They’d love a saltwater recreation complex — a leisure center where people could stay several days. Because if tourists only come for a day, then tourism in Parajd is dead.

„There are plenty of ideas, so to prevent discord, we need consensus to figure out how to sustain tourism in Parajd in the long-term — even without the mine,” says the tourism entrepreneur operating six guest rooms, who was in the midst of preparing for guests arriving to the tastefully furnished, rustic-style house.

„Last year, when the mine was closed for a few weeks due to water infiltration, online sales saved us — but now, even that might not be enough,” explains Mrs. Ildikó. The mine was a treasure that she believes must be saved somehow for life to go on. She admits it will be very hard without the mine but trusts in the ingenuity of Székely people — who have always managed to survive, even in the toughest conditions.

Several aid organizations have representatives in Parajd

Among those waiting for the mayor, we met Ákos Nagy, humanitarian coordinator of the Hungarian Interchurch Aid, who came to Korond for discussions. A few days earlier, the aid organization’s president and managing director had met with the mayor of Parajd, the president of the Harghita County Council, and the visiting interim Romanian prime minister. The Hungarian aid organization had previously provided significant assistance to flood victims in Covasna County, and

„We have to assess how much aid has arrived, and together with the local government, we’ll decide how much and in what form we’ll pass on the donors’ contributions — and to whom. Our decisions will be based on what the Romanian state does for the victims,” Ákos Nagy told Krónika. The mid-level manager at the aid organization also shared with our portal that they aim to offer guidance to the local authorities on how to support families under physical and psychological stress. „This situation is more difficult because people are still in the first phase of shock, and any personal help must be provided very delicately. I’m convinced that over time, relationships with local families will form,” the aid coordinator said.

You’ll be given a little sorrow so that others’ burdens will be lighter, and, according to our faith, you’ll receive the great joy of belonging.” In response to our inquiry, Béla Iszlai, Reformed pastor of Parajd, said that after Pentecost he plans to visit families with the council, to personally talk with as many congregation members as possible about the newly formed situation.

Among the volunteers arriving in Parajd, we met József Kulcsár, president of the Rescue Dog Service Foundation, who came with his wife to help the Székely village. They had previously visited flood-hit towns in Covasna County and brought with them a high-capacity pump. Although there are no missing persons in Parajd, the ten-member Hungarian team — experienced in earthquake and landslide zones — is ready to perform any tasks the locals expect of them.

she explained. The Ács couple say that not only Parajd but Sovata’s residents are also saddened by the flood in the mine. Many believe it could have been prevented. In their view, human greed brought this about. “It affects us just as much as the people of Parajd — because anyone who came to Sovata planned their trip to include a visit to the mine too,” Ilonka emphasized.