Manaus Urban Areas Face High Risk of Landslides and Flooding, Study Reveals
A recent study by the NaturezaOn platform, supported by the Fundação Grupo Boticário, has identified significant risks of landslides and flooding within Manaus's urban areas. The research indicates that 523.42 hectares of the city are classified as having a very high risk of landslides. This extensive area is more than 13 times the size of the Parque Municipal do Mindu, a major conservation unit in the capital. These high-risk landslide zones constitute 85.68% of all urban areas in Manaus identified with some degree of risk for slope failures and collapses. In addition to landslide threats, the study highlights Manaus's vulnerability to rainfall-induced events. Approximately 317.37 hectares of urban land are categorized as having a very high risk of floods, inundations, and flash floods. This flood-prone area is nearly eight times the size of the Parque do Mindu and represents 90.55% of all urban regions in the capital susceptible to such disasters. When combined, the areas with a very high risk of landslides, floods, inundations, and flash floods cover over 840 hectares within Manaus's urban zone.
This study underscores the critical need for integrated urban planning in Manaus, particularly concerning the management of natural hazards exacerbated by climate change and urbanization. The significant overlap between areas identified as high-risk for landslides and flooding suggests that development patterns may not adequately account for geological and hydrological vulnerabilities. Future urban development strategies should prioritize nature-based solutions and robust infrastructure to mitigate these risks, potentially involving strict zoning regulations and investment in early warning systems. The concentration of risk in specific urban zones also points to potential social equity issues, as vulnerable populations may disproportionately reside in these hazardous areas, necessitating targeted resilience-building programs.
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