Vulnerability analysis in Complex Networks under a Flood Risk Reduction point of view

Abstract. The measurement and mapping of transportation network vulnerability constitute subjects of global interest. During a flood, some elements of a transportation network can be reached, causing damages directly (to people, vehicles and roads/streets) and indirect damages (services) with great economic impacts. The Complex Networks approach may offer a valuable perspective considering one type of vulnerability especially related to Disaster Risk Reduction on critical infrastructures: the topological vulnerability. The topological vulnerability index associated to an element in a graph is defined as the damage (variation) on the network’s average efficiency due to the removal of that element. We have performed a topological vulnerability analysis to the highways in the state of Santa Catarina (Brazil), and produced a risk map considering that index and the flood susceptible areas. Our results can represent an important tool for stakeholders from the transportation sector.