Cidade da Praia, Floods and Inundations: Problems and Challenges for Urban Governance

Abstract

The Municipality of Praia, due to the nature of its territory, presents conditions, namely geological, geomorphologic, hydrological, among others, which enhance the manifestation of dangerous processes related to the occurrence of floods and inundations. With the continuous increase of the population in the city after the national independence in 1975 and the occupation of unplanned risky areas, the relationship with nature increases fragilities that can endanger life and goods, mainly in the urban area, where there is greater exposure to natural hazards. However, this exposure can be mitigated when public policies integrate land use planning and civil protection measures. This chapter’s main objective is to identify the factors that enhance the increased susceptibility and exposure to natural hazards, specifically floods in the city of Praia. It is also intended to demonstrate how these risks have been managed, especially in the last decade, through preventive and corrective measures, which have mitigated the risks by reducing exposure in the territory.