Much still to be done year after Brazil's worst environmental disaster

One year after the worst environmental disaster in Brazil's history, victims remain unattended, none of those responsible have been convicted of any crime, and measures to mitigate the damages have been few and far between.

On Nov. 5, 2015, an iron ore tailing dam belonging to mining company Samarco -- owned by Brazilian mining giant Vale and the Anglo-Australian multinational BHP Billiton -- ruptured, unleashing a toxic mudslide that destroyed an entire neighborhood in the town of Mariana, in southeast Minas Gerais state, before going on to pollute the region's main river, the Doce.

Nineteen people were killed, mostly residents of the small community of Bento Rodrigues.

The sludge, which the United Nations found "contained high levels of toxic heavy metals and other toxic chemicals," traveled over 500 km down the river, crossing the states of Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo, before spilling into the Atlantic.

The Doce River, now virtually dead, was previously full of marine life, and vital to the survival of wildlife living along its banks. It was also a source of fresh water and electricity for dozens of surrounding towns, as well as a source of income for several fishing communities.

But now, fishing has been banned along the stretch of river affected by the disaster, as well as in the region near the mouth of the river.

The Doce River hydroelectric power plant was temporary suspended, and water supply to several towns has been reestablished, though many locals fear the water is no longer safe and buy bottled water for drinking and cooking.

Samarco was ordered to settle the residents of Bento Rodrigues in a new area, which has already been chosen, but housing construction has yet to start. The residents are still living in houses rented by Samarco.

Bento Rodrigues and other devastated regions have yet to see any measures for environmental recovery.

A few weeks ago, federal prosecutors charged 22 people including 21 Samarco's employees for several crimes in the case, including manslaughter, environmental crimes, and fraud in getting environmental permits. Samarco, Vale and BHP were indicted as well.

However, given the notorious slowness of Brazil's judicial system, it is unlikely the victims will see justice done anytime soon. Endi