Brumadinho dam disaster facts for kids
The Brumadinho dam disaster happened on January 25, 2019, in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil. A large dam holding waste from an iron ore mine suddenly broke. This dam was owned by a company called Vale, which was also involved in another dam accident in 2015.
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When the dam broke, a huge wave of mud rushed out. This mudflow quickly covered homes and buildings in a rural area nearby. It was a very fast and powerful flood of mud. Sadly, at least 110 people died because of this disaster.
The President at the time, Jair Bolsonaro, quickly sent three government ministers to help with the rescue efforts. They worked to find survivors and help those affected by the mud.
Contents
What is a Tailings Dam?
A tailings dam is like a big wall built to hold back "tailings." Tailings are the leftover muddy waste from mining. After miners dig up ore (like iron ore), they process it to get the valuable metal. What's left is a mix of finely ground rock and water. This muddy mix is stored behind these special dams. They are important for keeping mining waste safely contained.
The Impact of the Mudflow
When the dam broke, the mudflow moved very quickly. It covered houses and farms in the area. The mud was thick and heavy, destroying everything in its path. Many people lost their homes and belongings. Rescue teams worked hard to search for people caught in the mud. This event was a big tragedy for the community.
Rescue Efforts and Government Response
After the dam collapsed, rescue teams immediately started working. Firefighters, police, and volunteers searched through the mud. They used helicopters and special equipment to look for people. The Brazilian government, led by President Jair Bolsonaro, sent top officials to the site. Their job was to make sure the rescue operations were well-organized. They also helped coordinate aid for the people who were affected.
Images for kids
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Satellite image of Brumadinho before and after the dam collapse
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Schematic cross section showing design of failed dam
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Path of mudflow after dam failure
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Iron ore railway bridge destroyed by mudflow, 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) downstream from collapsed dam
See also
In Spanish: Rotura de la presa de Brumadinho para niños
