Lapindo mudflow disaster near Sidoarjo.On may 29 2006 the company Lapindo Brantas was drilling for gas in the district Porong near the city Sidoardjo. The company drilled too deep and the site exploded, releasing an unseen mudflow wich will last for at least 30 years, according to geologists. Several workers died in the explosion. Some people claim that the explosion was done on purpose. The whole disaster is subject to numerous lawsuits and is considered one of the largest environmental disasters in South-East Asia. At least 6 villages have already disappeared and 13 villages are directly in danger (April 2008) because of the underground mudflow and gas. The whole damaged area is 500 hectare, at some places as deep as 30 meters and still growing. The tragedy affects the lifes of at least 24000 people. The releasing mud is 90 degrees centigrade and in the whole area there is a dangerous smell of gas..April 19 2008.Credit: © Guido Van Damme 2008