Municipalities in Brazil and Portugal strengthen disaster risk reduction

Municipalities in Brazil and Portugal are implementing various initiatives to strengthen disaster risk reduction and community resilience.

In Botucatu, Brazil, the local government is investing over R$ 80 million in urban drainage infrastructure, specifically targeting the Lavapés and Tanquinho streams to mitigate flood risks. The city also utilizes more than 30 Community Protection and Civil Defense Nuclei (NUPDECs) to engage residents in prevention, including training for combating vegetation fires. Regional cooperation is being pursued through the Polo Cuesta Consortium to address climate change and emergency management across 12 municipalities.

In Seixal, Portugal, the Municipal Civil Protection Service is conducting activities aligned with the United Nations' focus on household preparedness. Initiatives include the installation of new emergency meeting points, such as the Corroios site, and updated signage for population concentration zones. The municipality is also promoting school-based resilience through the 'Resilient Schools' project and conducting awareness campaigns to encourage self-protection measures within families.