Social protection challenges: The exposure of social assistance reference centers to flood and landslide risks

This article analyzes the exposure of Brazil’s Social Assistance Reference Centers (CRAS), the main entry points for the Unified Social Assistance System (SUAS), to flood and landslide risks. Using an integrated methodology that combines the CRAS Development Index (IDCRAS) and the Statistical Territorial Base of Risk Areas (BATER), the authors examined 2,277 CRAS units across 806 municipalities, about 26% of all facilities nationwide. The study assessed proximity to flood and landslide risk areas, using GIS-based spatial analysis, and qualitatively reviewed infrastructure, human resources, and service provision. The pilot area was the Paraíba do Sul River Basin, a region often affected by disasters.

Key findings and recommendations include:

• 273 CRAS units (12%) are located within BATER risk areas and 136 (6%) are located within 0.1 to 50 meters of such areas.
• In the study area, 9.8% of the population (528,173 people) resides in BATER areas, with 28.63% living in homes without access to a general sewage network.
• Many exposed CRAS units show pre-existing structural deficiencies, such as inadequate rooms or capacity, intensifying challenges during emergencies.
• The methodology demonstrates potential for intersectoral collaboration and supports knowledge generation for disaster preparedness in SUAS and disaster risk management systems.
• The authors recommend structural improvements to CRAS facilities and training staff in risk map usage and contingency planning. They suggest future research expand analyses to other hazard types and cartographic products.