ResilientRio: Approaches to Landslide Safety​ in Brazil

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name: ResilientRio: Approaches to Landslide Safety​ in Brazil

This project utilizes real-time data and geospatial mapping to improve landslide risk management in Rio de Janeiro, a city highly exposed due to its steep terrain and dense urban settlements.

By analyzing land features and rainfall patterns, the study develops an adaptive system that responds dynamically to shifting weather conditions.

The goal is to enhance early warning mechanisms, minimize infrastructure damage, and safeguard at-risk communities through more responsive, data-driven decision-making for disaster resilience.

Loss from landslides
$ 0 mn
The AAL profile for
Brazil’s buildings in the
existing climate scenario
(GIRI)
$ 0 bn

Impact and Key Findings

1

The model uses real-time data and weather inputs to pinpoint high-risk landslide zones, helping authorities enhance disaster preparedness. It enables early warnings and swift evacuations, minimizing casualties and infrastructure damage in vulnerable urban areas.

2

By combining rainfall patterns with terrain data, the system provides urban planners and officials with critical insights to assess vulnerability, prioritize infrastructure reinforcements, and develop safer, more resilient urban environments in landslide-prone areas like Rio de Janeiro.

3

The project strengthens community resilience by refining landslide preparedness and response strategies. It supports targeted emergency planning, optimizes evacuation routes, and safeguards vulnerable populations in rapidly urbanizing regions prone to natural hazards.

Resources

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.