Homes swamped, dozens dead and missing as dam bursts at mine in Brazil

At least 16 people have died after a dam burst at an iron ore mine in south-eastern Brazil, flooding a small town nearby and submerging homes and vehicles. Rivers of thick red mud surged down the valleys of the hilly area outside the old colonial city of Mariana. At least one body has been recovered and authorities said an unknown number of people were missing. Rescue teams were searching for bodies or survivors from Thursday’s disaster. Residents living in an area downhill from the dam were told to evacuate to higher ground.

It is not possible at this moment to confirm a cause … nor if there are victims.

Samarco mining company

Images from Globo TV showed the area of the operation overrun with water and clay-red mud, with large vehicles tossed on their sides. A small cluster of homes and about 400 people live in the small town of Bento Rodrigues, about 7km (just over 4 miles) beneath the dam that burst. Authorities said the dam was built to hold back water and residue from mining operations, a mixture that can often be toxic. The Samarco mining company said in a statement on its website that it was making “every effort to prioritize care to people and mitigate damage to the environment”.

Americas Brazil dam