Socio-environmental Vulnerability to Floods Including Technological Factors: Cases from Bezerros, Caruaru, Escada, and Sanharó - Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract

Floods are among Brazil's most frequent hydrological disasters and affect various municipalities in Pernambuco. Several events have occurred, especially after the 2000s, and due to climate changes experienced worldwide, this frequency and intensity may increase. Although of natural origin, the consequences of this phenomenon vary according to the vulnerability of the communities. Thus, this article analyzed the socio-environmental vulnerability to floods in four municipalities within the Ipojuca River Basin: Bezerros, Caruaru, Escada, and Sanharó, including technological factors. The methodology involved identifying variables, proposing social, environmental, and technological indicators, and calculating the socio-environmental vulnerability index (IVS) and its integration with technological factors through a spatial analysis model. The results showed that areas with higher vulnerability are located in densely populated urban zones, and the lack of infrastructure in nearby regions exacerbates this fragility. Including technological factors in flood vulnerability analysis provides a comprehensive understanding and can guide public policies to reduce vulnerability in critical areas.