The operational intelligence applied to disaster rescue efforts: the performance of the firefighters after the failure of the mining dam in Brumadinho/MG – Brasil

Abstract

This article describes some relevant aspects of operational intelligence applied by the Minas Gerais Military Fire Department in the rescue operation in Brumadinho/Minas Gerais-Brazil, a disaster resulting from the breach of the B1 mining dam. Searching for a chronological report, it mentions actions, resources, difficulties, and results obtained in the first 365 days of the longest search operation ever recorded in the country. The 95.9% of fatal victims who were identified through the recovery of their bodies/body parts indicates a high degree of effectiveness, although it does not reach the human aspects involved. The result is due to a number of factors, including data recording and analysis, definition of clear strategies, tactics, and techniques applied by those involved in the mission and the experience acquired by the Department in previous events in Minas Gerais.