Perception of the landslides conditioning elements and evaluation of risks: a study with residents of the Vila Mello Reis, Juiz de Fora (MG)

Abstract

The present paper has as purpose a perceptive approach about the landslides risks in the Vila Mello Reis, Juiz de Fora (MG). The research was accomplished with a group of 30 residents, through the application of a test containing open and closed questions, through which it was looked for to know his perception regarding the main landslides conditioning elements, besides his evaluation about the risk conditions in the neighborhood and in his own house. The results pointed that the reality noticed by the residents differs sensibly of that analyzed according to technical criteria and also of the situation demonstrated by the registrations of the Civil Defense. Therefore, the need of a more effective intervention is revealed on the part of the public power, in the sense of offering appropriate orientation to the residents of the risk areas so that better they can evaluate the danger situations and to adopt preventive conducts in his daily one. Key words: Risk perception. Prevention of accidents. Landslides.