Municipal administrative capacity in the prevention and mitigation of hydrological disasters in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte

Abstract

With the advancement of global warming and climate change, disasters driven by heavy rainfall have become increasingly severe and frequent. Since these events affect vulnerable human groups, it is the role of public administration to prevent and reduce damages, with an emphasis on local-level action, which is closer to the population and their needs. Focusing on the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte (RMBH), this study analyzes the administrative capacity of municipalities, understood as the presence of management instruments to implement risk and disaster management policies. The research involves quantitative methodology, based on statistical analysis and the creation of thematic maps related to socioeconomic indicators, the availability of management tools, and disaster records. The results highlight challenges in data collection and show that less developed municipalities have lower administrative capacity and fewer management tools. The most affected cities display varying levels of management, underscoring the need for integrated strategies to address existing inequalities in the RMBH.