Maricá urban growth increases geological landslide risks

Urban growth in Maricá has increased the risk of geological hazards, specifically landslides, due to human intervention in the landscape. According to Civil Defense geologist Bruno Melo, many risks are anthropogenic, stemming from the occupation of slopes, hills, and rocky massifs.

To accommodate residential construction on inclined terrain, steep cuts known as 'taludes de corte' are often created. These vertical or highly inclined cuts, combined with factors such as improper drainage, sewage infiltration, pipe leaks, and the removal of vegetation, significantly heighten the danger of landslides. The risk level is determined by a combination of slope height, inclination, soil type, and proximity to buildings.