April 3-6, 2022 | Issue 2
Alyssa Schmidt, Benjamin Maher, Megan Bilney, Emergency Management, Health, and Hazards (EMH2) Team
Justin Maurina, Editor; Jennifer Loy, Chief of Staff
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil[1]
Date: April 3, 2022
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Parties involved: Brazil; Local medical personnel; Local police; State firefighters; Civil Defense Authorities; Interior Development Ministry; Rio de Janeiro residents
The event: Flooding and rainfall in Rio de Janeiro led to landslides impacting critical infrastructure and vulnerable civilians in more than 22 neighborhoods. The number of civilians displaced, missing, and the total fatalities are not yet determined.[2]
Analysis & Implications:
Heavy rainfall throughout the country will likely increase the need for infrastructure to withstand adverse weather conditions, with reparations likely occurring and impacting the economic stability of Brazil. Civilians will very likely be displaced as natural disasters accumulate, creating mass migration movements within Brazil. Unaffected states will likely see rising populations due to civilians seeking shelter, services, and employment. Civil services will very likely suffer from increased pressure, likely creating medical, transportation, education, and employment service scarcity.
As Brazil responds to natural disasters and focuses on repairing infrastructure, other services and businesses will likely suffer from a lack of attention. Overwhelmed personnel will likely delay the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, creating additional risks associated with heavy rainfall and natural disasters. Authorities will likely need to focus on maintaining and improving infrastructure in vulnerable communities while effectively responding to emergencies with competence. The prioritization of resources will likely put them at risk for future hazards.
Date: April 3, 2022
Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
Parties involved: Azerbaijan; Health Ministry; Local firefighters; Local police; Local medical services; Azerbaijan residents
The event: The LocationBaku, a nightclub in Baku, Azerbaijan, was impacted by a leaking gas canister that exploded, killing one and injuring 31 civilians. The explosion caused panic, but firefighters were able to contain the spread and support evacuation efforts.[3]
Analysis & Implications:
Sources investigating the event are unlikely to report any mistakes committed by the fire department due to their quick response and mitigation of damage, though police will likely investigate the upkeep and servicing of gas supplies. LocationBaku will likely face an investigation into its servicing of energy sources and likely face legal implications. Other venues in Baku will likely undergo stricter regulations and checks to ensure safety for their patrons. Regulatory bodies will likely need to find regulations to ensure public safety at heavily populated venues.
LocationBaku’s explosion will likely create less foot traffic and activity in the capital. As COVID-19 remains a threat and services reopen, civilians will likely become more hesitant to attend public venues. Less business will likely reduce pressure on emergency services but increase economic risks as local service providers will likely be hindered by fewer users, forcing business closures and creating a scarcity of services. Authorities will likely need to increase civilian trust in local businesses and support services to ensure development growth.
________________________________________________________________________ The Counterterrorism Group (CTG)
[1] Rio De Janeiro, Brazil by Google Maps
[2] At least 14 killed, including 7 children, after floods in landslides in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro state, CNN, April 2022, https://edition.cnn.com/2022/04/02/americas/brazil-rio-de-janeiro-landslides-deaths/index.html
[3] Baku nightclub gas leak explosion leaves 1 dead, 31 injured, ABC, April 2022, https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/blast-baku-club-kills-injures-31-gas-leak-83839133