Geographer explains factors that may have caused the slide in Ronda in Ponta Grossa

The landslide in the Round on Ponta Grossa, which left three people dead this week, occurred in a region considered complex from the point of view of geology, relief and soils. In an interview with BnT, geographer and professor of the Department of Geosciences of the State University of Ponta Grossa (UEPG) Isonel S. Meneguzzo explained the factors present in the area and alerted to the risks in other points of the city with similar characteristics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhE98YvXouQ

During the interview, the professor used maps and scientific studies to show the characteristics of the region of the Ronda Basin and the Arroio do Padre.

According to Meneguzzo, one of the first aspects that draw attention is the geological complexity of the site. The map presented during the interview indicates the contact between different types of rocks and the existence of a geological fault along the Arroio do Padre.

The professor stressed, however, that the slippage cannot be explained by a single factor.

The region has had records of cases since the 1980s.

Another point presented in the interview was the history of the region.

Maps produced in the context of scientific research of the UEPG indicate records of similar or related processes to mass movements since at least the 1980s. The documents also show an increase in these occurrences during the 1990s.

According to the professor, this growth is also related to the process of disordered urbanization in certain points of the city.

The studies also show that the region has springs and land with significant slope. Meneguzo stressed that spring areas should be protected and pointed out the existence of irregular occupations in places with these characteristics.

Declination increases area complexity

One of the maps presented also demonstrated the slope of the Round Basin.

According to the geographer, the areas near the springs, including regions near the Center, City Hall and Institute of Education, have very steep terrain.

At the point where the slip occurred, the slope is also high and appears as another factor that can contribute to the occurrence of mass movements.

Thus, the professor pointed out a combination of characteristics: complex geology, steep slope of the terrain, presence of water and urban occupation.

Teacher alerts to risk areas

During the interview, Meneguzzo stated that there are studies on risk areas not only in the Round, but also in other points of Ponta Grossa.

According to him, in places classified as risk areas, the technical recommendation is that residents do not remain exposed to the situations identified by the studies.

The professor also mentioned, in a preliminary form, that it would have rained approximately 85 millimeters in the period before the occurrence. He himself stressed during the interview that the data still needed to be verified with greater precision.

With the continuity of the rains, the warning is not limited to the point where the tragedy occurred.

“Not only people from this place, this specific region, but from other areas of the city with similar environmental characteristics” may be at risk, the professor said.

Alerts need to be respected

At the end of the interview, Meneguzzo stressed the importance of monitoring and respecting the alerts issued by the responsible bodies, such as the Defesa Civil and the Fire Department.

The professor acknowledged the difficulty of residents leaving their homes and belongings, especially due to the bonds built with the site, but stressed that safety should be a priority in the face of a risk situation.

According to him, information released by Defesa Civil, the press and other responsible bodies can be fundamental to preserving lives.

 

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