As Hungarian officials inspect the walls of a toxic sludge reservoir for cracks or other signs of damage, the RSPB has issued a warning about the importance of the Danube for wildlife.

Grahame Madge is an RSPB conservation spokesman. He said: “The toxic tide which has flowed through Hungary has created an immediate humanitarian tragedy, but the disaster could have a long tail as the aftermath of environmental damage begins to take hold.

“As the pollution flows along the Danube – one of Europe’s great life-giving arteries – we remain fearful for the rich and varied wildlife of the region. Along its length, the Danube is rich in birds and other wildlife some, like several species of fish, are found nowhere else. Although many of the river’s special birds are currently spending the winter elsewhere in Europe and Africa, we are extremely anxious that the flow of poisons could damage the river’s most important habitats for years to come, particularly the Danube Delta, one of Europe’s most important wildlife sites.”

The RSPB is currently working with partner organisations in central Europe to protect the Danube and its internationally-important wildlife, sites and habitats.