Sociospacial vulnerability related to precipitation and winds in Atibaia - SP

Abstract

The accelerated process of urbanization of the twentieth century contributed to increase the occupation of risk areas, mainly by the low income population. This has increased their vulnerability to problems arising from atmospheric phenomena, especially in urban centers, which widened the socio segregation in several municipalities. This framework is reflected not only in urban centers but also in medium and small cities. This is the case of the urban area of Atibaia-SP, which has been suffering with floodings and strong winds, which motivated this study, that aims to correlate, both qualitatively and quantitatively events that trigger environmental problems (precipitation and wind) and their consequences in urban areas (flooding, floods, power shortages, structural damage etc.). The results will be presented and discussed in terms of their spatial and temporal trends, covering the period 1960 to 2007. It is expected to subsidize governmental actions, especially the Civil Defense of Atibaia.