Flood risks and their perception in the Várzea Igreja area

The analysis carried out reveals that in terms of physical characteristics, the slope, altitude and soil have a major influence on the manifestation of flood risks in the study area, due to the high altitude, steep slope and high rainfall values, which leads to greater surface runoff affecting the lower areas. The population’s vulnerability to the risks of flooding is linked to economic conditions, the buildings that occupy risk areas, especially those within the streams (water lines) and on steep slopes without protective walls, and poor land-use planning by the competent authorities. In terms of the perception of these risks, it can be seen that some people have a poor perception, even though there is a risk culture.