2018 Reports

Health and Social Cost of Disaster: Nova Friburgo, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Marinho, Diana Pinheiro; Marinho, Livia; Barata, Martha M. L.

In January 2011, heavy rains triggered one of Brazil’s worst natural disasters in the Mountain Region of Rio de Janeiro, causing over 900 deaths and displacing nearly 35,000 people, particularly in Nova Friburgo, Petrópolis, and Teresópolis. Landslides damaged water, energy, transport, and health infrastructure, and increased the incidence of vector-borne diseases such as leptospirosis and dengue fever. A syndromic surveillance system implemented post-disaster enabled early treatment and helped avoid additional fatalities and reduced health care costs. This case highlights how urban density, inadequate sanitation, and extreme events amplify disease risk and social costs, underscoring the importance of integrating health-focused preventive measures into climate change adaptation planning.