As climate change intensifies floods and other extreme weather events, experts are urging governments to make flood risk management a central part of infrastructure planning. A new report by the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) highlights that resilient social infrastructure is essential to protect lives and ensure critical public services continue operating during disasters.
The report points to recent flooding events in Brazil as a clear example of why resilience is becoming increasingly important. In May 2024, the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul experienced its worst flooding in eight decades, affecting more than 1.4 million people and forcing nearly 600,000 residents from their homes. In Porto Alegre, the state capital, water levels in the Guaíba River reached their highest point since 1941. Meanwhile, Manaus recorded the highest number of disaster risk alerts among Brazilian cities in 2024.
According to the IDB, schools, health centres and public facilities must be designed to withstand extreme weather conditions so that they can continue serving communities during emergencies. Experts emphasize that flood risk management should be incorporated from the earliest stages of planning and construction rather than being treated as an afterthought.
The report explains that resilience begins with understanding both exposure and vulnerability. While exposure refers to infrastructure located in hazard prone areas, vulnerability relates to the conditions that make assets more likely to suffer damage. Addressing both factors allows governments to make better technical and financial decisions.
Several practical measures can significantly improve resilience. These include using flood maps and hydrological models to determine safer locations for public facilities, elevating floor levels above expected flood heights, protecting critical equipment, and choosing materials capable of withstanding high humidity and flooding conditions. Nature-based solutions such as rain gardens, retention basins and permeable surfaces can also help improve drainage while creating greener public spaces.
Maintenance remains another crucial element. The report notes that resilient infrastructure is only effective if local authorities have the capacity to monitor, maintain and adapt facilities over time.
The IDB highlighted two ongoing projects in Brazil as examples of climate resilient planning. In Porto Alegre, a new Social Assistance Reference Center is being built using climate and geotechnical risk assessments that influenced both its location and design. The facility includes elevated ground levels to reduce flood exposure and ensure operations can continue during future extreme rainfall events.
In Manaus, infrastructure projects are being designed from the outset to cope with both severe flooding and drought conditions. Planned features include ventilated roofs, waterproof coatings and moisture-resistant construction materials aimed at extending building life and reducing maintenance costs.
The report stresses that investing in resilience is not only a humanitarian necessity but also a financially sound decision. Stronger infrastructure can reduce repair and reconstruction costs after disasters, allowing governments to direct more resources toward long-term development and social programs.
As extreme weather events become more frequent across Latin America and other parts of the world, experts believe resilient infrastructure will play an increasingly important role in protecting communities, reducing economic losses and maintaining essential public services during times of crisis.