About 60 million cubic meters (25,000 Olympic swimming pools) of mine waste went into the river and cut off a quarter of a million people drinking water supply. Thousands of fishes died due to the lack of oxygen in the water, but it could be much worse than that. The U.N. stated in their report that the water contained "high levels of toxic heavy metals and other toxic chemicals"
The companies are putting money into the effort to clean up the river, but they are not going to pay the damage. I find it highly disturbing that most people do not even know of this accident because it is not being broadcast. Thousands of people are losing their home, their job, and even their future. The toxicity of the mud is going to ruin its fertile land.
Below are pictures of the incident.
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2015/nov/27/brazil-dam-burst-environmental-crisis-reaches-atlantic-in-pictures
To read more:
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-damburst-mud-idUSKBN0TE2O520151126
http://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/nov/22/anger-rises-as-brazilian-mine-disaster-threatens-river-and-sea-with-toxic-mud
It's completely crazy, they ignore the problem and how many people the toxic is affecting people. The companies must face what the have caused.
ReplyDeleteI remember you showed me this video in the Youth Alliance for Justice meeting, and I must say I am astounded and horrified with the lack of respect and care that these companies have for the Brazilian populace. Again, this is another example of the Western media filters making their way into global events. I think we need to make this problem more apparent, in order to urge cleanups of the river and possible aid given to the Brazilian people.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe that the companies are attempting to deny responsibility. It is clear that the water is toxic due to their mines collapsing. I believe the government should fine the companies in order to fund the cleansing of the water. The mining companies need to take responsibility for their actions that are affecting the environment.
ReplyDelete