In São José dos Campos, Brazil, many residents of a building located near two recently formed craters remain reluctant to return to their homes even after the Civil Defense deemed the area safe. The craters, which appeared on Rua Felisbina de Souza Machado, have since been filled with stones as part of a recovery process initiated by the city government. This marked only the first phase of a larger project aiming to construct a new stormwater gallery in the area, addressing the underlying issues that led to the crater formation.

Despite the municipal authorities allowing most of the 156 evacuated residents to return home as conditions improved and recovery works progressed, fears persist among many individuals. Rafael Barbosa, the building's caretaker, highlighted the prevailing anxiety among residents, stating that while everyone would prefer to have stayed in their homes, the safety concerns are significant. Many residents are choosing to delay their return, with some expressing doubts about the structural integrity and stability of the building and surrounding area.

The ongoing fears in the community reflect a broader apprehension regarding urban safety and infrastructure resilience in the face of environmental changes. The situation serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by natural events and the essential role of urban planning and civil preparedness in minimizing risks associated with such crises. As recovery efforts continue, it remains crucial to balance rebuilding trust within the community while ensuring that adequate safety measures are in place to prevent further incidents in the future.