The government of Minas Gerais has drastically reduced its investments aimed at mitigating the impacts of flooding and heavy rains, raising concerns about public safety in municipalities like Juiz de Fora.
A recent survey from the National Center for Disaster Monitoring and Alerts reveals that Juiz de Fora ranks ninth among municipalities with the largest populations living in risk areas, with at least 130,000 residents, nearly a quarter of the city’s population, facing dangers associated with landslides and flooding. Residents remain apprehensive following recent storms, as many fear the unpredictability of heavy rains exacerbating the risk of natural disasters in their neighborhoods.
The situation is made more alarming by a significant cut in government spending, with data from the Transparency Portal indicating that investments by the Minas Gerais government in initiatives aimed at handling the impacts of heavy rains have plummeted by over 95% in the past three years. The program designed for prevention, response, and recovery from natural disasters has seen funding drop from R$ 135 million, leaving local authorities and residents to grapple with inadequate preparedness and response measures during adverse weather events.
As the destructive effects of storms continue to pose threats to safety and stability, the reduction in funding raises serious questions about the state’s commitment to addressing the needs of at-risk communities. The dramatic cutback not only jeopardizes the immediate safety of residents but also undermines long-term recovery efforts, making it crucial for stakeholders to advocate for renewed investments in disaster resilience and management in regions like Juiz de Fora.
