Kyoto University · Social Sciences
Professor Ana Maria Cruz's research lab specializes in the analysis and risk assessment of Natech (natural hazard-triggered technological) disasters, focusing on the intersection of natural hazards—such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes—and industrial accidents involving hazardous material releases. The lab investigates the causes, consequences, and mitigation strategies for these complex, cascading events, with particular emphasis on improving emergency preparedness, risk management practices, and regulatory frameworks in industrial facilities. Their work draws on empirical data from major disasters, including the 1999 Turkey earthquake and European floods, to inform evidence-based policy and engineering solutions.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
There is growing concern about the potential effects of natural disaster-triggered technological (natech) disasters. The chlorine releases in the Czech Republic following the floods that swept across Europe in the summer of 2002 and the multiple hazardous materials releases triggered by the Turkey earthquake of August 1999 were examples which showed the potential danger of a natech disaster occurring near populated areas. However, there is scarce information available on the actual risk of natec
Natural hazard triggered technological accidents involving the releases of hazardous materials (hazmat) are known as Natechs. These types of complex events were studied for the first time at the end of the 1970s, and in recent years have gained importance due to their increasing trend. This paper presents an overview of the advances in Natech research right up to 2018. The paper shows how Natech research was first focused on earthquakes as the main triggering event, and later shifted to hydromet
Hurricanes and other natural disasters can induce hazardous material (hazmat) releases. However, researchers generally treat natural and technological disasters as separate entities rather than as conjoint events. This paper investigates hurricane-induced hazardous material (hurmat) releases in a petroleum refinery. The information developed in this study indicates the need to develop emergency response plans, mitigation measures, and design criteria to minimize health risks and property damage
In this study, we report on the results of a random mail survey of 400 industrial facilities affected by the Turkey earthquake of 17 August 1999. The survey asked questions concerning damage and economic losses, hazardous materials and hazardous materials releases during the earthquake, and risk management and emergency response practices for hazmats prior to and after the earthquake. The study results indicate a high toll on industrial facilities in the region with more than 56% of industrial f
Abstract Natural hazard-triggered technological accidents (Natechs) refer to accidents involving releases of hazardous materials (hazmat) triggered by natural hazards. Huge economic losses, as well as human health and environmental problems are caused by Natechs. In this regard, learning from previous Natechs is critical for risk management. However, due to data scarcity and high uncertainty concerning such hazards, it becomes a serious challenge for risk managers to detect Natechs from large da
Natech refers to a conjoint natural and technological hazard or accident. This paper is concerned with Natechs involving hazards arising from the handling, processing and/or storage of hazardous materials, as well as the transportation of oil and gas by pipeline. Risk management of chemical accident hazards has generally been carried out using industrial risk management regulations and practices, engineering safety codes and standards, environmental regulations, and land use planning. However, t
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