Occurrences, human harm and years of life lost due to natural disasters in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2010-2022: a cohort study.

Abstract

Objective: To describe occurrences, human harm and material damage associated with natural disasters that occurred in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2010-2022, as well as to estimate years of life lost due to deaths resulting from these events.

Methods: This is a prospective cohort study, with data from the Integrated Disaster Information System and the Brazilian National Health System Hospital Information System. Descriptive analyses of occurrences, human harm and material damage associated with the natural disasters selected and calculation of years of life lost due to deaths recorded under codes X36-39, by year, sex and age group.

Results: 752 extreme natural events occurred, with the highest frequency being observed for intense rainfall (37.8%) and mass movements (19.6%), followed by floods (15.3%), flash floods (15.2%), pluvial floods (8.9%) and hail (3.3%). As for human harm, 1,523 deaths, 3,379 injuries and 2,157 illnesses were recorded. Regarding material damage, the cost was calculated to be over BRL 12 billion, with housing units, health and education facilities and urban infrastructure being most affected. The majority of deaths were among females (50.1%). The 15-59 year age group was the most affected (51.8%). A total of 49,031.76 years of life were calculated to have been lost, of which 54.2% related to females.

Conclusion: Natural disaster occurrence, human harm and material damage affected, more intensely, only a few municipalities in the state. The majority of deaths and years of life lost were recorded for females. The existence of priority areas and groups for adoption of prevention and mitigation policies stood out.