Rousseff demands deep probe for causes of accident in Minas Gerais

The president said the government acknowledges state of emergency in

Published on 06/11/2015 - 20:23 By Paulo Victor Chagas reports from Agência Brasil - Brasília

Mariana (MG) - Área afetada pelo rompimento de barragem no distrito de Bento Rodrigues, zona rural de Mariana, em Minas Gerais (Corpo de Bombeiros/MG - Divulgação)

According to Samarco CEO Ricardo Vescovi, the mining company does not know yet the causes of the collapse.Fire Department of Minas Gerais/Uncredited

President Dilma Rousseff said we need to deeply probe the causes and point the responsible one for the collapsed dams of the mining company Samarco. They have damaged a large part of Bento Rodrigues, a rural village located 23 kilometers away from the town of Mariana, Minas Gerais.

Through Twitter, the president sympathized with the victims and families of the disaster and said the federal government will acknowledge state of emergency to allow those affected by the disaster collect the Guarantee Fund for Length of Service (FGTS).

Rousseff pointed out that Minister for National Integration Gilberto Occhi overflew the damaged area and reported that he phoned the governor of Minas Gerais, Fernando Pimentel, to provide federal services to the state.

"The armed forces, Army in particular, and the National Civil Defense are also working with the government of Minas Gerais to help fulfill local needs. I congratulate the sense of solidarity of the Brazilian people, who are sending food and clothing to the homeless," wrote the president on Twitter.

According to Samarco CEO Ricardo Vescovi, the mining company does not know yet the causes of the collapse. According to him, 13 people are missing and one died after suffering a heart attack.

After reporting to have found the body of the second victim of the collapsed dams this afternoon (Oct. 6), Minas Gerais Fire Department reversed their decision and declared they are still investigating whether the death is related to the accident.


Translated by Amarílis Anchieta


Fonte: Rousseff demands deep probe for causes of accident in Minas Gerais

Edition: Fábio Massalli / Nira Foster

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