The tragedy of the highlands serrana region in the state of Rio de Janeiro in 2011: looking for answers

Abstract

The case study addresses the natural disaster that took place in the highland region of the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro (on January 12th and 13th 2011), considered the largest climatic and geotechnical catastrophe in the country, when heavy rain triggered flooding and landslides in seven cities. This case study is intended to arouse discussion about the variables and actors who influenced the process of crisis management, contextualizing the disaster scenario in the region and reconstituting especially the process of immediate response to such tragedy by the agencies involved.