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Reduction of About 2 Meters in the Level of Lake São Domingos Reveals the Ancient Ruins of the Cemetery That Was Submerged for More Than Three Decades, Surprising Residents and Generating Great Circulation of Images on Social Networks
The ruins of the old cemetery of São Domingos, in northeastern Goiás, reappeared after the level of Lake São Domingos dropped by about 2 meters. The lake was created by the waters of the São Domingos River and, because the reduction caught the attention of residents, images quickly spread on social media.
A video recorded by a resident showed damaged tombs and a wooden cross as he moved in a canoe.
The Resident’s Account
Celio Alves, responsible for the video, stated that he had never seen the cemetery emerge since the flooding.
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According to him, canoe rides are common on weekends. In addition, he explained that the drop in the water level allowed for a full view of the structures.
He mentioned that he was curious to revisit the site since the tombs had been hidden for more than three decades.
Reason for the Water Reduction
CelgPar, responsible for the São Domingos Power Plant, stated that the reemergence of the cemetery is linked to a maintenance process.
The company explained that it is carrying out the reconstruction of the upstream slope of the dam, and therefore the procedure requires a temporary reduction in the reservoir’s level. The schedule is expected to last for 30 days.
Environmental Actions During the Work
To carry out the service, it was necessary to reduce the water volume by approximately 2 meters.
CelgPar highlighted that environmental teams are monitoring fauna, water quality, and other impacts throughout the maintenance.
Transfer of the Buried from the Cemetery
The bodies buried in the cemetery were removed before the area was flooded for the implementation of the power plant, inaugurated in December 1989.
The reservoir has an extension of 1.86 km², with variable depth depending on the region.
With information from G1.
