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Article

28 Jan 2019

Author:
Intercontinental Cry

Pataxó Hã-hã-hãe future uncertain after tailings dam rupture in Brazil

A Pataxó Hã-hã-hãe village had to be evacuated after a Vale-owned tailings dam ruptured in Brumadinho…The 25 families living in the village of Naô Xoha were taken out…to the highest part of the municipality…where the community is located. “Our village is on the banks of the river. It is essential to our livelihood. The mud is already in the center of Brumadinho and has not yet reached the village. Our area might or might not become inundated…” explains Eni Carajá, Pataxó Hã-hã-hãe. According to inquiries made by the Movement of those Affected by Dams (MAB), there were, in fact, four dams that collapsed; and there is a fifth dam holding back water that could still rupture…The tailings reached the administrative area of Vale and part of the community of Vila Ferteco, but the sea of mud continues to devastate whatever lies in its path...Three years ago, in November 2015, the Fundão dam broke, devastating the Rio Doce Valley basin and inundating the mining town of Bento Rodrigues, leaving 19 dead and hundreds evacuated...One of those responsible for the Fundão tragedy was Samarco, a company that worked in partnership with the Vale mining company...

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