Authorities are investigating the reason behind a stunning, yet alarming sight in Russia.
Daldykan River located by the Arctic town of Norilsk turned bright red Tuesday, prompting confused residents to share photos online.
Why has Russia’s Daldykan River turned blood red? https://t.co/nZqRMvmZkP
— Atlas Obscura (@atlasobscura) September 7, 2016
#russianriver mysteriously turns #blood#red#Daldykan#River near #norilsk in #Siberia lost its natural color pic.twitter.com/7L2ao3ZLGz
— sudhakar (@naidusudhakar) September 8, 2016
The Daldykan River near the city of Norilsk (Russia). "Water turned to blood." pic.twitter.com/KNskDQa9An
— Max Vanderpool (@MaxVanderpool) September 8, 2016
While the cause is still unknown, authorities are evaluating possible environmental damages, such as discharge from "an unidentified chemical" from the nearby Nadezhda Metallurgical Plant,” CNN reports, citing a statement by Russia's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Nadezhda Metallurgical Plant is reportedly owned by Norilsk Nickel, the world's largest nickel producer.
So far the company has denied that its plant is to blame for the reddened river.
Norilsk is known for its heavy pollution and is considered one of the most polluted cities on earth.
