Restrictions on the Use and Occupancy of Flood Areas as a Tool for Disaster Reduction (PAP014854)

Código

PAP014854

Autores

VIVIANE JAPIASSÚ VIANA, Rosa Maria Formiga Johnsson

Tema

Urban Floods

Resumo

In Brazil, disasters related to floods causing human damage, pecuniary loss and environmental damage, are mainly due to greater exposure of the population; urban densification on the riverbanks and margins, incurring vulnerability due to changes in river level. The territorial and environmental management policies have not been enough to prevent disasters considering the lack of articulation among the States and the Federal Government, water management by hydrographic basin, and the Municipalities, which are responsible for performing the territorial management. Several efforts have been made in recent years following the tragedy of the Região Serrana (mountainous region) of Rio de Janeiro State, which seems to have put the matter on the political agenda of the whole country. The paper lies within this context, as it deals with the theme of urban flooding from the point of view of prevention of the emergence of vulnerabilities and the consequent reduction of the risk of flood-related disasters. A survey is conducted of the legal basis (urban and environmental) in order to assess the potential for development of public policies to prevent occupancy of areas subject to inundation, especially in regions of great urban expansion, avoiding or reducing the risk of such disasters. Furthermore, assessment is made of the recent government actions, focused on flood prevention, performed at Federal and Rio de Janeiro State level.