CAPACITY TO PREPARE FOR EXTREME EVENTS: REALITY OF THE MUNICIPAL COORDINATION OF PROTECTION AND CIVIL DEFENSE OF PARÁ

Abstract

The State of Pará faces several natural disasters that have impacted its population and environment, making efficient Civil Defense management essential. The study analyzed the reality of the Municipal Coordinators of Protection and Civil Defense (COMPDECs) in the state, identifying challenges and proposing solutions to improve their performance. The research used structured questionnaires via "Google Forms" to collect data from the municipal coordinators. The results indicate that, although some COMPDECs have a minimum personnel structure, they still face operational difficulties, such as the lack of headquarters and adequate equipment. Strengthening these coordination offices requires investments in infrastructure, training, and essential equipment, such as GPS, drones, notebooks, and vehicles, to improve disaster planning and response. Without this support, the Civil Defense runs the risk of existing only formally, without effective capacity to act.