Social and environmental vulnerability of areas with high occurrence of mass movement and flooding in the municipalities of Petrópolis and Teresópolis, Mountainous Region of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Abstract

Studies indicate that the occurrence of disasters is intensifying and increasing in frequency. Data also show that countries with lower levels of economic and social development have greater severity because it is vulnerability that is related to development. Thus, the advancement of risk reduction policies and the construction of resilience are priorities. It is known that the Mountainous Region of Rio de Janeiro is known for its recurrent occurrences of mass movements and floods. Therefore, we intend to understand the origin of these phenomena, performing a systemic analysis through the general systems theory, and to analyze the exposure and the resilience process of populations, individuals and family groups that are affected in the municipalities of Petrópolis and Teresópolis, to add to the discussion of socio-environmental vulnerability. And demonstrate how vulnerability creates conditions for disasters and limits prevention and mitigation strategies, discussing the challenges for reducing disaster risks and building resilience, as modifications in the patterns of social, economic, and environmental development. For this, the first step will be the analysis of geosystems using data available from the Department of Mineral Resources of the State of Rio de Janeiro (DRM-RJ), State Institute of Environment (INEA-RJ), EMBRAPA-SOLOS and Geological Service of Brazil (CPRM), and as a tool the software ArcGIS 10. The second step will be the application of questionnaires in census sectors to understand the exposure and the components of resilience of the population, such as health, income, education, sanitation, surrounding conditions, among others. Finally, we hope to achieve significant results capable of assisting government agencies, such as Prefectures and Civil Defense Secretariats, in their respective plans for prevention, mitigation and response. (AU)