Special issue  

The main purpose of the SI is to collect papers under the general theme of the issue, to summarise and analyse relationships between natural events and accidents in technological systems and infrastructures, and to find out new methods of assessing them and the vulnerability of technosphere and infrastructure objects to natural hazards.

Critical infrastructures and other technological systems such as transportation systems, telecommunication networks, pipelines, and reservoirs are at risk from natural hazards (e.g., landslides, earthquakes, floods) in many urban and rural areas worldwide. A key to safe and affordable operations of these types of infrastructure is an in-depth knowledge of their exposure and vulnerability to natural hazards and the impact of damage experienced either locally or across the network. Fundamental understanding of hazard and risk involves (i) systematic identification and mapping of potential infrastructure exposure, (ii) integrated assessment of impact as a result of damage, repair, and/or mitigation, (iii) indirect losses from infrastructure disruption, and (iv) consideration of interactions between hazards and/or cascades of hazards. This SI welcomes contributions with a focus on natural hazard risk assessment for critical infrastructures and technological systems and compilation of databases to record impact and elements at risk. We also encourage papers addressing the development and application of tools for cost modelling. The SI is dedicated to contributions with national, regional, and local perspectives.