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

TL;DR

This paper analyzes transportation network vulnerability to floods using a topological vulnerability index, mapping critical infrastructure risks and supporting disaster risk reduction strategies in Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Contribution

It introduces a topological vulnerability index for highway networks and applies it to flood-prone areas, aiding in disaster risk management.

Findings

Identified critical highway segments affecting network efficiency.

Mapped flood and landslide susceptible zones with vulnerability indices.

Provided a tool for stakeholders to improve disaster preparedness.

Abstract

The measurement and mapping of transportation network vulnerability to natural hazards constitute subjects of global interest, especially due to climate change, and for a sustainable development agenda. During a flood, some elements of a transportation network can be affected, causing loss of life of people and damage to vehicles, streets/roads, and other logistics services, sometimes with severe economic impacts. The Network Science approach may offer a valuable perspective considering one type of vulnerability related to network type critical infrastructures: the topological vulnerability. The topological vulnerability index associated with an element is defined as the reduction in the network's average efficiency due to the removal of the set of edges related to that element. We present a topological vulnerability index analysis for the highways in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, and produce a map considering that index and the areas susceptible to urban floods and landslides. The risk knowledge, combining hazard and vulnerability, is the first pillar of an Early Warning System, and represent an important tool for stakeholders from the transportation sector in a disaster risk reduction agenda.