Public note: authorities must act quickly and transparently in assisting the victims of Brumadinho

Conectas sympathises with all those affected and demands that businesses and public authorities do not repeat the errors of the River Doce disaster

Conectas profoundly rues the dam burst in Brumadinho (Minas Gerais), on the afternoon of Friday 25 January and sympathises with all the victims and families over this, another socioenvironmental tragedy. At this crucial time, Vale and public authorities must act immediately to avoid worse damage, which could become irreversible.

The occurrence of another dam-related disaster brings back memories of the case of the River Doce and its lessons. Vale and public authorities must not repeat the errors committed during this sad episode that shocked Brazil and the world three years ago. Immediate, utterly focused action is now required in assisting and identifying victims.

Transparency is also fundamental. Society and communities have the right to full information on the contingency plan and on how it will be rolled out. Another piece of information of enormous importance is the toxicity of the waste spilled after the burst. Contamination of the soil and water by heavy metals causes incalculable damage to the environment and to the health of the communities affected.

After the Fundão dam burst in Mariana, UN Special Rapporteurs condemned the “defensive posture” of the companies involved (Vale, BHP Billiton and Samarco) and of public authorities. The tragedy was notable for its confused, slow and disorganised response to the tragedy by public organs and private companies. In addition to the absence of a siren to alert the inhabitants of Bento Rodrigues and other districts close to the dam, measures to contain the advance of the mud were inefficient. Towns like Governador Valadares experienced chaos as the supply of treated water was cut off.

“It is clear how foolish state and federal government measures are. They are seeking to loosen environmental licences and to undermine the system for environmental protection.” Warns Caio Borges, Conectas Coordinator of Development and Socioenvironmental Rights. “Actions of this nature simply make further tragedies more likely. It is also necessary to improve safety policies at the dams to prevent further bursts from happening.” He adds.

Conectas will continue to monitor developments of the tragedy and will demand measures by authorities and the company involved, so that unacceptable episodes like this one do not happen again.