EARTH SHAKES IN BONITO AFTER EXPLOSION

The Seismology Center at the University of São Paulo (USP) recorded a small tremor in Bonito, a popular tourist destination. The event measured 1.7 MLv (Local Magnitude Vertical) on the Richter scale.

Following concern from residents about a possible earthquake, it was confirmed that, around the same time, the mining company Calcário Calluz, located along highway MS-435, carried out a rock blasting operation using explosives.

According to Jackson Calhau from the Seismology Center, the tremor was likely caused by the detonation.

Geographer and geoscience specialist Edna Maria Facincani, professor at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), also stated that the tremor in Bonito shows signs of a mining blast.

"The seismogram shows slightly stronger wave amplitudes than usual, which is typical of a detonation. While it's not possible to confirm with absolute certainty that it was a blast, the nearest station is in Aquidauana, about 100 km away. There's a lack of station density in the region to be more precise," the professor explained.

The tremors alarmed residents and caused concern throughout the city.

Locals said the impact was felt in several parts of Bonito around 9 a.m. on June 3. Posts in messaging groups reported that the shaking knocked pictures off the walls and startled children in an institution.

"Everything shook here at the institute. The children ran outside," said one message.

Blasting Operation

Truck drivers in the area said the detonation crew asked them to turn their trucks around. The goal was to protect windshields from flying debris during the explosion.

Elias Araújo, the company manager, confirmed that the detonations are carried out monthly.

"This has been happening for years. Every time it happens, it's the same thing," he said.

Bonito's Department of Tourism is investigating the incident.

Environmental Impacts

According to research by Julio Cesar de Pontes, mining engineer and PhD professor in Natural Resources at the Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN), rock blasting can generate various environmental impacts.

The most significant is ground vibration, which can become more intense if proper technology is not used to keep vibration levels within safety standards.

The blasting also affects vegetation and may cause birds and mammals to migrate.

In addition, the shockwaves can disturb nearby communities and damage surrounding structures.

About Bonito

Bonito is located in the Serra da Bodoquena region, on the southwestern edge of the Pantanal Complex, one of the main ecosystems of the biome.

It is one of Brazil’s top ecotourism destinations, known for adventure tourism and crystal-clear waters.

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