BACKGROUND

Brazil’s growing exposure to climate-related hazards, combined with social and geographic vulnerabilities, is making anticipatory action increasingly critical. The country faces a range of threats including floods, landslides, droughts, and heatwaves—many of which are becoming more intense due to climate change.

Seasonal floods and landslides are especially common during the rainy season (December to March), affecting urban centers like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. These disasters are often triggered by heavy rainfall and worsened by deforestation, poor drainage, and informal housing on unstable slopes.

In contrast, the semi-arid Northeast experiences frequent droughts, which threaten agriculture, water supplies, and food security. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are also leading to longer and more severe dry periods across other regions.

Many affected communities have limited capacity to cope with or recover from these shocks. As a result, anticipatory action—such as early warnings, cash assistance, and the strategic positioning of supplies—plays a key role in reducing disaster impacts and protecting vulnerable populations.

For a data-driven overview of Brazil's risk profile, refer to the INFORM Risk Index. 

HAZARDS COVERED BY ANTICIPATION

Drought

ACTIVATIONS 

2024: Drought