The mayor of São José dos Campos, Anderson Farias, discussed emergency measures following the emergence of a new crater, but a timeline for permanent repairs remains uncertain due to ongoing rain.
Anderson Farias, the mayor of São José dos Campos, addressed recent infrastructure issues stemming from the opening of a new crater in the city's South Zone. In an interview, he mentioned that the local government has implemented emergency measures, although there is no set timeline for when permanent repairs will be completed, largely due to the adverse weather conditions from the ongoing rainy season. Four homes and a residential building containing 34 apartments have been evacuated, affecting 156 individuals who are temporarily staying with friends and family.
The recent developments come after a similar incident saw another crater open in the area not long ago. In response to the emergency, the mayor confirmed that work began immediately, including interventions by utility companies such as Comgás, EDP, and Sabesp to mitigate the damage. They are utilizing protective coverings to manage soil erosion while they iron out more structured long-term solutions. Farias also indicated that another construction firm would be engaged for the remediation of this latest crater.
The occurrence of multiple craters in a short timeframe raises concerns about the overall infrastructure and planning in São José dos Campos. As community members find temporary refuge, the administration faces pressure to address such issues swiftly, especially with the rainy season likely to exacerbate the situation. The city's response strategy might also set a precedent for how future infrastructure challenges are managed, especially in urban areas facing similar environmental pressures.
