Two mining dams crumpled in Brazil's mineral-rich state, Minas Gerais. Regrettably, nine people are verified dead and medical conditions of nineteen people are still yet unknown. This distressing event did not happen in an instant. It occurred during a slow-pace environmental disaster.
50m cubic meters of toxic mud flooded the town of Bento Rodrigues. Water supply of a great number of residents was polluted because of the unhurried flow of toxic iron-ore residue in the river going to the sea.
According to The Guardian, ANA or Brazil's national water agency announced that the water now in Rio Doce contains arsenic, zinc, copper, and mercury; and is deadly for human consumption. In addition, the toxics present in the water killed a high number of aquatic beings because of high temperatures and lack of oxygen.
Samarco Mineração SA operates the collapsed dams and mine. The operator is a combined enterprise of BHP Billiton, an Anglo-Australian mining group, and Vale, a Brazilian iron ore company. BHP Billiton is considered the world's biggest mining company.
Ibama is the federal environment agency and recently, the agency said Samarco will have an initial fine of 250m reals ($66m). But eventually, the company will have to pay much higher than the initial cost. Now, Samarco's license for mining has been revoked.
News from ABC stated that senior management of BHP Billiton and Vale went to see the damaged caused and offered $100m worth of emergency fund. It was believed that the dams' design and safety were doubtful.
Most likely, the toxic mudslide will reach the Atlantic by early next week. This will cause more tragic results. The fishing communities alongside the coast of Espirito Santo will be greatly affected.
Governador Valadares, a town approximately 330km from the place where the mudslide originated is provided water supply by the local authorities. The water supply is mostly given to hospitals and schools.
This devastating environmental catastrophe only proves nature will take its toll if people will continue to exploit it.
