Brazil to conduct thorough investigation into dam disaster

Brazilian Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira said Wednesday that the federal government will launch investigation into the rupture of two tailings dams in the state of Minas Gerais.

The authorities are now focusing on helping the population affected by the disaster and ensuring water distribution, but thorough investigations will be carried out and those responsible will be duly punished, said the minister.

Samarco, the mining company which owns the two ruptured dams, will have to make a full cleaning and reconstitution of the environment affected by the wave of mud and mining rejects, the minister said.

"If federal fines are applicable, we will be tough. There will be punishment," Teixeira said. "Under Brazilian law, environmental restoration must be made ... the responsibility (for the restoration) belongs to the company."

Two tailings dams holding back 7 million cubic meters of mineral residue and 55 million cubic meters of water from the Samarco mine broke on Thursday and unleashed a torrent of mud and clay, which tore through everything on its path.

The disaster has caused not only human losses and property damages but also great environmental harm, as high mortality of animals and destruction of large forest areas have been witnessed.

"It is a disaster of catastrophic proportions. If you compare the volume of mud from this incident, it is six times higher than the volume registered in the largest accident that occurred in the past 10 years," the minister added.

Until Wednesday, the death toll from the dam tragedy has reached six, including two children, and 19 others remain missing.

President Dilma Rousseff is expected to visit the affected areas on Thursday. Endi