A Database of Severe Impacts in the Coast of Southeastern Brazil

Author(s)

Nunes, Luci Hidalgo ; Ozhan, E

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: GLOBAL CONGRESS ON ICM: LESSONS LEARNED TO ADDRESS NEW CHALLENGES, VOLS. 1 AND 2; v. N/A, p. 11-pg., 2013-01-01.

Abstract

Information on the temporal frequency and magnitude of relevant hazardous processes is essential to prevent disasters. Notwithstanding, Brazil does not have a common, comprehensive and reliable database of disasters triggered by atmospheric events, and although individual efforts for compiling data exist, information is not connected and standardized. Therefore, the aim of this study is to collect and catalogue known incidences of landslides, floods and strong winds in the coast of Southeastern Brazil, area which concentrates population and economic activities but also presents low stability threshold, aspects that put population, apparatus and the rich biodiversity of the area under permanent threat. Partial results show an increase of hazards during the last three decades, especially during Austral summer, and the need to improve a comprehensive data collection of hazardous events to support different actions at national level in view of minimizing the negative effects of hazardous episodes. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/58161-1 - Assessment of impacts and vulnerability to climate change in Brazil and strategies for adaptation option
• Grantee: Jose Antonio Marengo Orsini
• Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Thematic Grants