In early May, the peaks of roofs and the tops of trees were some of the only things visible above the murky brown water that had engulfed Lajeado, a town in Brazil’s Taquari Valley with a population of 85,000. This community was among the hardest hit by historic flooding that swept through Brazil’s southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul, between late April and mid-May. The devastating floods displaced over 650,000 people, claimed 173 lives, and injured 806 others.
When Lucas Wendt arrived in Lerado, 38 people were still missing. Heavy machinery was being used to clear mud from blocked roads, city workers were cleaning sidewalks with pressure washers, and volunteers were sorting through donations of clothing, food, personal hygiene products, and bottled water.
Wendt, currently residing in Porto Alegre while pursuing a master’s degree in information science and working in communications at the University of Taquari Valley (Univates), returned home to check on family and friends. He also felt a strong desire to contribute to the recovery efforts.
Citizen Science for Disaster Recovery
The Citizen Map team, led by researcher Sofia Royer Moraes, aims to use data for rethinking urban planning and disaster recovery. Moraes, an environmental engineer who studies extreme flooding events in the Taquari-Antas River Basin, initiated a mapping project after severe flooding last September highlighted the region’s vulnerability. That flood, worsened by climate change, was the worst in 82 years, displacing 359,000 people and resulting in 48 deaths.
Moraes created the Citizen Map using Google Maps, enabling ordinary people to use their smartphones to pinpoint the floodwaters’ reach. Citizen scientists were instructed to take photos of the flooding and send them, along with their geolocation, to a WhatsApp group monitored by Moraes and her team. By combining this information with historic flood data, the team could model future flood scenarios, helping residents rebuild safely and guiding authorities in urban planning and resource allocation.
Community Efforts and Technology Integration
Fascinated by the project’s potential, Wendt joined the efforts. By the end of May, his contributions included over 20 data points, such as photos of mud-smeared crosses, lone houses among the wreckage, and water height markings on walls. His data is part of the constantly updated Citizen Map, which now includes over 600 data points.
The Citizen Map project, initially focused on the Taquari Valley, has now expanded to cover the entire state of Rio Grande do Sul, in partnership with the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. The team plans to enhance the map’s visuals by collaborating with the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team.
Adapting to Climate Change
The recent flooding in southern Brazil has been attributed to human-driven climate change. Studies show that extreme weather events in Rio Grande do Sul have increased in frequency and intensity, with up to 15 percent more precipitation observed in recent events compared to previous decades. The severity of these floods underscores the need for better preparedness and adaptation strategies.
Moraes and her team aim to educate the public and engage them in preventive measures. By understanding their surroundings and participating in initiatives like the Citizen Map, residents can become more aware and empowered to deal with future disasters. Moraes envisions the map not only helping residents but also guiding authorities in improving urban planning, stormwater management, and disaster mitigation.
Looking ahead, Moraes hopes to expand the Citizen Map to include data on drinking water availability, access to healthcare, and instances of disease in the aftermath of climate-related crises. By providing a comprehensive overview, decision-makers can direct public policies to the areas that need them most.
As the region continues to recover, data collection will play a crucial role in shaping future resilience strategies. Moraes emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the inevitable impacts of climate change, stating, “We can’t stop these events from happening, but we can make sure we’re ready to deal with them in the best way possible.”
In summary, the historic floods in southern Brazil have prompted a community-driven response, leveraging technology and citizen science to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience. The ongoing efforts aim to create a more informed and resilient society, better equipped to face the challenges of climate change.
Read Now:
