Disaster Risk Assessment of Schools in Rio Grande do Sul

Overview & Synopsis

The report presents a comprehensive disaster risk assessment of school infrastructure in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Drawing on geospatial data, historical disaster records, education sector information, and cartographic analyses, the study develops a risk profile for the education sector and assesses the exposure and vulnerability of school infrastructure to climate-related hazards. The assessment integrates 8,629 disaster records from 1991–2023 with detailed information on 730 state schools located across 100 municipalities, enabling a systematic analysis of disaster patterns, exposure, vulnerability, and response capacity. The findings show that although climatological events account for the largest share of recorded disasters in Rio Grande do Sul, hydrological and meteorological events are responsible for most of the documented damage to school facilities. The report also incorporates a dedicated analysis of the April–May 2024 floods, one of the most severe climate disasters in the state’s history, which affected approximately 992 educational establishments and generated estimated losses of R$3.04 billion in the education sector. The results provide an evidence base for prioritizing investments, guiding risk mitigation measures, and strengthening the resilience of school infrastructure and educational services in the face of increasing climate-related risks.