Juiz de Fora, a city in Brazil, has been highlighted for having a considerable population residing in areas susceptible to natural disasters such as landslides, floods, and debris flows. This trend is alarming as recent statistics from the National Center for Monitoring Natural Disaster Risks (Cemaden) underscore the city's vulnerability. Homes are often placed precariously on hillsides and riverbanks, exacerbating the risk with heavy rains or shifting earth. The local terrain, combined with poor urban planning, has made these areas particularly dangerous for residents.

Residents, like Ana Paula from Parque Burnier, describe living conditions that reflect the lack of regulation and oversight in property development. Many homes in precarious locations were built incrementally as families acquired small plots of land in a haphazard manner without proper municipal support or infrastructure. This unregulated growth contributes to the risk of disasters, as the area becomes overpopulated with inadequate planning to manage emergency situations. Ana mentioned that she never paid the property tax (IPTU) due to the irregularity of her housing situation, which is a common occurrence in such areas.

Experts point to the city's topography as a key factor in understanding the risks associated with living in these neighborhoods. The steep inclines and unstable soil conditions create ideal circumstances for landslides, especially during heavy rain events, thus leading to potential tragedies. As the population continues to grow in these high-risk areas without intervention, the need for strategic urban planning and disaster management has never been more critical for Juiz de Fora and similar cities tackling the challenges of informal settlements in hazardous locations.