‘The area is showing signs,’ says geologist of landslide risk on BR-376

“The area gave signs. If you look at aerial photographs, you will see that it already has scars from the gravitational movement of masses,” says geologist and professor Abdel Khach about the risks of landslides on BR-376. According to the expert, the work carried out at the site has already demonstrated a high risk of accidents.

“If you see it, there’s a concrete scar [ao lado do trecho desmoronado]???????? In front, where there are trucks, parked cars, there is a wall with ties. Then, [o local] already known as a risk area. Why, for example, the place where we knew that there would be a mudflow, was not filled with concrete?” the geologist asks.

According to the PRF (Federal Highway Police), there was already a landslide on the site in 2011, the last major natural disaster on the site. The expert claims that the incident was also a sign of risk.

Abdel argues that the proactive solution that could have been taken was the geological mapping of the area. The study points to the site’s natural history and natural hazards.

After the tragedy, the expert advises that the study should be the first step for those responsible to avoid new large-scale landslides. “Geological hazards need to be mapped,” he says.

The geologist notes that engineers have several mechanisms to contain risk and that the way out must be indicated by this mapping.

In addition, the specialist argues that in any area with human activity, there are risks of the movement of nature, which seeks to naturally restore the balance of the territory. Thus, the importance of risk assessment and preventive services.

“This is to avoid risks, accidents of this size that have occurred are irreversible, as we have had fatalities. You cannot recover. We have reversible damage and irreversible damage,” says Abdel.

Arteris Litoral Sul was contacted by: ND+ portal report talk about signs of risk, containment works and services, but did not get back in touch until this article was published.