Challenges in landslides risk management in Brazilian slums: a method proposition to prioritizing areas to be mapped in the Municipal Risk Reduction Plan of Niterói, RJ

ABSTRACT In the context of climate emergency, extreme events are expected to become more intense and frequent, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. Extreme rainfall events can trigger large-scale and numerous landslides. A landslide risk management approach that focuses not only on response but also on prevention and adaptation becomes crucial. In the city of Niterói - RJ, there are over 100 slums, most of which are located in steep hillslope areas. The method proposed here for creating a qualitative risk index (IR) has been applied and is being validated in the development of the Municipal Risk Reduction Plan of Niteroi. The IR combines information on past landslide occurrences and interdictions, vulnerability data, and the susceptibility of the areas —using the SHALSTAB model, to create a ranking of high-risk areas within the slums. Ranking high-risk areas may guide the allocation of technical and financial resources in the field.