Alzira de Fátima Venâncio Barbosa, who lives by the Paraopebas River. Alzira’s income was dependent on the river, as she would fish and cook for fisherman. Photo: Rodrigo Zaim/Christian Aid
On 25 January 2019 a huge tailings dam at the Feijão iron ore mine, near Brumadinho, in Minas Gerais, Brazil, collapsed suddenly and catastrophically. The resulting wave of toxic sludge engulfed part of the mine workings, a packed workers’ canteen, and rushed down into the Paraopeba river, washing away houses, cattle, mine personnel and people living close to the river banks. The number of bodies identified stood at 212 as of 21 March, with a further 93 still missing.
Christian Aid is supporting communities and providing emergency aid through local partners such as MAB (Movement of People Affected by Dams) . Photographer Rodrigo Zaim has produced these stunning images for Christian Aid, which tell an important part of the story. Click on an image for image gallery.
The Paraopebas River, contaminated by iron ore tailings from Brumadinho. pHoto: Rodrigo Zaim/Christian Aid
Photo: Rodrigo Zaim/Christian Aid
Fisherwoman Maria das Graças Rodrigues, who lives by the Paraopebas River. “You should have seen this river before, it was beautiful and full of fishes. Now I lost my income and the joy of my life”. Photo: Rodrigo Zaim/Christian Aid
Photo: Rodrigo Zaim/Christian Aid
Photo: Rodrigo Zaim/Christian Aid
PhFoto: Rodrigo Zaim/Christian Aid
Fisherman Tulio Cesar Silva Pereira, who lives by the Paraopebas river and lost his income source. Tulio moved to the area after contamination of Rio Doce river 3 years ago, when another mining dam burst. Now he struggles with the situation for the second time. Photo: Rodrigo Zaim/Christian Aid
