A Tidal Wave of Mud A mining dam collapsed and buried more than 150 people. Now Brazil is casting an anxious eye on dozens of dams like it. “No, it’s not that!” the friend said. “Run!” Dashing up a staircase, caked in mud and pelted by flying rocks, Mr. Castro clambered to safety. But as he watched, a wall of mud unleashed by the collapse of a mining dam swallowed his co-workers, he said. Tiago, George, Icaro — they and at least 154 others, all buried alive. The deluge of toxic mud stretched for five miles, crushing homes, offices and people — a tragedy, but hardly a surprise, experts say. That horrible.
Man the NYT puts together an amazingly well reported story with visuals and in depth reporting. That’s why I subscribe. I highly recommend.
A direct consequence of unregulated mining and development. Something to think about when American politicians brag about repealing regulations. Question is do we want to be more like Brazil?
Toxic mud, poorly built damns, people in harms way ... gee, sounds like a a good case for regulation, huh? Or is 154 people buried alive one of those things "the free market" will sort out.
