A Brazilian court has mandated that the City Hall of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, must implement a series of emergency measures concerning the Lagoa do Nado dam within 30 days, following its rupture in 2024. This ruling was made in response to a request from the Public Ministry of Minas Gerais (MPMG), which is conducting a civil action to determine responsibilities for the environmental disaster. The court's decision highlights the importance of immediate action to rectify the situation and prevent further harm.

The court's ruling was triggered by findings from technical reports and inspections that revealed the dam's spillway was partially obstructed by wooden structures known as stop logs, which significantly reduced its water drainage capacity by approximately 64%. This obstruction is believed to have inhibited proper drainage during heavy rains, leading to the dam's overflow and eventual rupture. The judge, Mateus Bicalho de Melo Chavinho, emphasized that while severe rainfall contributed to the situation, the more critical factor was the public authorities' neglect regarding the dam's maintenance and management.

In light of the serious implications of this ruling, the court has stressed the urgency of the situation, highlighting that failure to comply with these emergency measures could result in substantial penalties for the city government. The case serves as a critical reminder of the importance of infrastructure maintenance and the responsibilities of public authorities in preventing environmental disasters that can threaten communities.