Modelling the interdependencies of critical infrastructures during natural disasters: a case of supply, communication and transportation infrastructures

This paper introduces the methodological challenge of identifying and quantifying the interdependencies among several critical infrastructures. First, interdependency structures during a natural disaster are modelled-based on past events, considering supply (electricity, water and gas), communication (internet and telephone) and transportation infrastructures (road networks). Interdependencies are defined with respect to physical, functional and socioeconomic interrelationships. A quantification strategy is then introduced based on empirical surveys and economic models. As a case study, the developed model is applied to the 2004 Mid-Niigata Earthquake, which severely damaged infrastructure systems in the central mountainous area of Japan.