Brumadinho, a town in grief

Brumadinho—in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte, state capital of Minas Gerais—became famous nationwide because of mining giant Vale and the proximity with the art museum of Inhotim, the world’s largest outdoor museum. However, since the disaster a week ago, when the Córrego do Feijão mining dam ruptured, the city has been plunged in grief and sadness. Locals walk around without smiling or talking out loud, burials are seen every day, and businesses closed their doors—even bars and restaurants declared mourning periods.

With a population of slightly over 36 thousand, Brumadinho is your typical small town in Minas Gerais: a public square where residents recognize each other, bars with live music, and a church that serves as meeting place for everyone. After the tragedy that claimed the lives of 134 people and left 199 missing—as per the latest figures—all locals have a friend or family member among the victims.

The hope nurtured by the people during rescue operations in the first days gave way to anguish and dismay. It is not difficult to come across those who say all they want is a chance to see a still missing victim have a dignified burial. Overwhelmed with desperation, some venture into the mud in search of a missing beloved one—a practice not allowed by rescuers and searchers.

The hope nurtured by the people during rescue operations in the first days gave way to anguish and dismay. – Reuters / Adriano Machado / All rights reserved.

Unsung heroes

The tragedy has been the only topic of conversation in the streets since January 25. Amid the saddened atmosphere all around town, invisible heroes have joined efforts and set up a collective laundry unit, where they wash the mud-drenched clothes of camping firefighters in a bid to help with the rescue efforts.

In another area, volunteers take turns overseeing and play with the children whose parents are busy helping the firefighters or among the missing people themselves. Groups have also been assembled to support the military and civil agents engaged in the operations.

Concerns

The worries of most residents concern the country district of Córrego do Feijão, near the tailings dam. The local community is highly dependent on Vale and was severely affected by the disaster. There, devastation was thorough, and the landscape is appalling.

Local inns receive curious visitors on a daily basis. People want to see the area affected by the mudslide up close and watch the search efforts. The new dynamics is part of the change in local economy, previously centered on Vale and its impact.