Risk Scenario of the Urban-Rural Border of Commune 8 in Medellin

Abstract

The risk faced by the inhabitants of the upper part of Commune 8 of Medellin is evident, in terms of mass movements, floods, and torrential floods, which are expected to increase with climate change. This is a reality that the District Administration does not recognize or only partially recognizes, and this generates the communities to organize and work from self-management and the strengthening of community ties, and technical and political capacities under the approach of Community Risk Management. However, in order to address these problems in a comprehensive manner, the coordinated intervention of the State with the communities is required, and actions are generated to achieve a real and prompt response to face the disaster risk scenario in the neighborhoods: Llanaditas, El Faro, Altos de la Torre, Golondrinas and El Pacífico (polygons Z3_MI_6 and Z3_MIE_3) of Commune 8.

The text presents the various hazards identified in relation to the scenarios of mass movement, floods, and torrential floods, by describing their dynamics, processes, and triggers. Subsequently, it evaluates vulnerability from the physical-spatial, socioeconomic, and political-administrative spheres, to finally present the community capacities for risk management, from the organizational, self-management and political negotiation and advocacy.