RISK AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL INEQUALITIES: THE EXPERIENCE OF BRUMADINHO AFTER THE CÓRREGO OF FEIJÃO DAM FAILURE AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Objective: To discuss how vulnerabilities, especially in terms of social inequalities, are linked to disasters and how they become more potent when disasters occur, further aggravating the situation of groups and communities in fragile conditions. Theoretical framework: The Vale dam failure disaster was analyzed from the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) proposal presented by the Sendai Framework, which is based on strengthening actions and measures to prevent disasters, as well as increasing preparedness for responses and recovery from disasters that may occur. Methodology/approach: The method used was the case study. Documentary research, participant observation of WhatsApp groups, and three interviews with representatives of the public sector and civil society were conducted, as well as seven interviews with citizens of Brumadinho. Content analysis was the strategy for data analysis. Main Results: The experience of the municipality of Brumadinho demonstrates how recovery from a disaster is difficult to accomplish and makes the affected population even more vulnerable and exposed to risk, potentiating fragilities and inequalities. Implications of the research: The situation of the city in Minas Gerais highlights the processual construction of disasters and how the current model of economic and productive development needs to be rethought. The criticism of disaster management and the negligence regarding its prevention can serve to guide decisions by the public authorities to develop prevention and damage reduction actions. Originality/value: Empirical studies that discuss the relationship between disasters, vulnerabilities and social inequalities are fundamental to obtain a better understanding of the complexity involved in disaster management, and especially to show how inequalities are enhanced by the occurrence of events of this magnitude, further aggravating the situation of groups and communities in fragile conditions.