Campina Grande Reservoir Rupture Kills One as Partial Water Return Expected Within 48 Hours

Overview

• One of four roughly 2,000 m³ chambers failed at the Cagepa-managed site, and the remaining chambers were drained as a safety measure.
• About 40 neighborhoods in Campina Grande and nearby towns lost service, with Cagepa targeting a gradual resumption starting Sunday pending engineering clearance.
• Governor João Azevêdo ordered a technical forensic probe and pledged aid to affected families, and a special commission led by Vice Governor Lucas Ribeiro will monitor the response.
• Three houses collapsed and three were severely damaged as water swept away vehicles and downed poles, and utility Energisa cut power in the hardest-hit area for safety.
• Cagepa says prior inspections showed no leaks or cracks, launched an internal inquiry, deployed water trucks, and arranged temporary housing for displaced residents.