Brazil dam burst forces thousands from homes
BBC News
Brazilian authorities are trying to evacuate several thousand people after a dam burst in northern Rio de Janeiro state.
Water broke through the dam protecting the town of Campos de Goytacazes, opening up a big crater in a highway.
Rio and other parts of south-eastern Brazil have been battered by floods and landslides, with several people killed.
Some 66 towns and cities in Minas Gerais state have declared a state of emergency.
On Thursday, a dam protecting Campos de Goytacazes ruptured, sending floodwaters from the River Muriae towards the small community of Tres Vendas some 30km (19 miles) away.
Officials said it was a race against time to get the people out before the area was flooded.
“Practically all the families are leaving,” civil defence official Henrique Oliveira told the G1 website.
“The river might rise three and half metres, four metres. Only the roofs will be visible.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-16426732
Dilemma X 
January 5, 2012
International