Rio Branco maps 44,000 residents in flood and landslide risk zones

A municipal risk‑reduction plan presented on 5 May identified 87 areas in Rio Branco, Acre, classified for geological and hydrological hazards. The study, carried out by the Serviço Geológico do Brasil in partnership with the Ministério das Cidades and the Defesa Civil Municipal, found that about 44,068 people live in these zones, occupying roughly 11,017 dwellings.

Risk levels are broken down into 14 sectors of very high risk, 51 of high risk and 22 of medium risk. Flooding accounts for nearly 60 % of the identified hazards, driven by recurrent rises of the Rio Acre and its tributaries. The most affected neighbourhoods include Cidade Nova and Quinze (over 7,400 residents in high‑risk sectors), followed by Taquari, 6 de Agosto and Recanto dos Buritis. Very‑high‑risk sectors are concentrated in Dom Giocondo, Novo Horizonte, 6 de Agosto, Taquari and the Igarapé da Judia area.

The plan proposes targeted interventions to mitigate flood and landslide exposure and will serve as a technical basis for future urban planning and emergency response in Rio Branco.