Officials optimistic about toxic sludge spill

Officials in Hungary say no new cracks have been detected overnight on the north wall of the red sludge reservoir which was thought to be close to collapse and that the situation is "hopeful".

Disaster agency spokesman Tibor Dobson said that the older cracks are being repaired but that it is too soon to consider lowering the current state of alert. Protective walls also are being built around the reservoir's damaged area to hold back any further spills.