Gone with the Mud: Learning from the Niterói Disaster in Brazil

Natural disasters, landslides, and flooding are recurrent in South and Central American countries. A dark cloud hangs over Brazil as a result of political corruption scandals that have swept up former and current presidents and financial corruption at Petrobras, which has now ensnared some of the nation's top business leaders and legislators. These criticisms coupled with the handling of the Niteroi disaster of 2010, highlight how culture and politics negatively influence Brazil's response to crisis. Brazilian political culture, much like its business culture, is considered paternalistic—a superior/subordinate relationship, in which the superior guides and protects and the subordinate is loyal and respectful. The concept of Jeitinho is very attractive to political candidates because they know that these "helpers" in such positions will have many "followers" just because of the vast dispensation of political favors. Crisis response must be quick and effective. Niteroi mayor's response to the crisis was neither fast nor effective.