Characterization of an area susceptible to floods and inundations in a medium size city in Southern Brazil

Abstract

The change in precipitation patterns that has occurred over the past decades establishes the discussion about the risks arising from rainfall in urban areas. These risks include floods, inundations and overflow, which are influenced by different conditions. The purpose of this work is to characterize a risk area, susceptible to inundations and floods, in the city of Passo Fundo, in the south of Brazil. In order to propose solutions aimed at mitigating risks for the area, a GIS (Geographic Information System) characterization was applied to prepare thematic maps to identify conditions of infrastructure networks, as well as other constraints of the built environment. The analysis showed that the area, predominantly residential, is currently susceptible to environmental risks, given the proximity to streams, the topography with slopes and impermeable surfaces, despite the existence of rain network infrastructure. Furthermore, the mitigation strategies were proposed, based on the concept of green infrastructure such as the implementation of draining surfaces, rain gardens and a linear park. The data collected in this study will provide subsidies to elaborate the risk maps of the area, deepening the analysis in future studies, assisting the decision making of the public power to prevent and mitigate risks such as floods, according to the identified vulnerability, as well as contribute to Goal 11 - Sustainable cities and communities on the United Nations Agenda 2030.