QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE VULNERABILITY OF EXPOSED ELEMENTS IN THE SERRA PELADA REGION, BARRA DO TURVO, BRAZIL

Abstract

Vulnerability is a major factor in the analysis of landslide risks and is essential for predicting the consequences of such events. In this case study, we quantitatively assessed vulnerability in the rural area of Barra do Turvo, located in the Serra Pelada mountain range, Brazil. It is a landslide-prone area with 144 households settled alongside the Régis Bittencourt highway. Therefore, we used an indicator-based methodology that considered both landslide intensity and resistance of exposed elements (buildings, large-scale structures, roadways, and local population). Results indicated that 93% of the buildings had a high level of vulnerability, while 90% of the local population had a moderate level, as did the large-scale structures and the highway. Rural roads, in turn, revealed high levels of vulnerability. This is relevant data for designing risk mitigation strategies. Based on this approach, we were also able to map the region. Conclusions include the potential for applying this approach in other regions and its relevance to decision-makers involved in land use planning and civil protection measures for risk mitigation.