URBAN EXPANSION IN FLOOD-PRONE ZONES AT THE LOCAL SCALE: THE ALGODOAL CASE IN ABAETETUBA, PARÁ

Goal: This study approach urban occupation in flood-prone zones (FPZ), with a focus on the Algodoal neighborhood in Abaetetuba, Pará. Methods: The work employed remote sensing techniques, utilizing Google Earth Pro images from 2001 and 2010 for surveying. Additionally, fieldwork was conducted to refine the orbital interpretations of the images and administer semi-structured questionnaires. Data processing and interpretation were carried out using ArcGIS software to create thematic maps and analyze the data. Results: In the year 2010, Algodoal's FPZ covered an area of approximately 521,000 m². The development in this area was primarily initiated by the low-income population since the 1990s. Unfortunately, the unregulated utilization of the land resulted in significant environmental damage, including the loss of vegetation and obstruction of drainage canals. Consequently, the local community has been exposed to socio-environmental hazards due to the vulnerability of the occupied land, inadequate infrastructure, and the constant risk of flooding, leading to substandard living conditions. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the importance of addressing urban planning and city management needs, which directly depend on geomorphological surveys and assessments of the physical environment.