Technical disaster

Technical or technological disasters are caused by events that can be intense and sudden, induced by human processes. They originate from technological or industrial conditions, dangerous procedures, infrastructure failures or specific human activities (UNGA, 2016).

Technical systems are complex, with many dependent subsystems. The failure of one element within this system can cascade throughout the chain, causing a series of failures leading to a disaster. Technical hazards are increasing due to the scope of technological expansion. They include industrial activity that includes dangerous conditions, processes, all transport systems (land, sea, air), defensive or offensive weapons systems and power plants.

A new set of emerging technological risks under the Sendai Framework include Information and communications technology (ICT)-related hazards. The increasing dependence upon complex large-scale network architectures of information technologies also increases exposure to cyber security threats. These threats include computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, malware, spoofing attacks, identity theft, the theft and illegal disclosure of data, the loss of data and contamination of data. They have the potential to disrupt essential infrastructure operations such as communication, health, banking, transportation, energy, education and many other services.

Risk factors

  • Ageing, abandoned or idle installations.
  • Insufficient institutional and legal capacities.
  • Natural hazards: storms, landslides, floods or earthquakes can cause industrial accidents.

Vulnerable areas

  • Residential communities around industrial establishments tend to be most at risk because of their proximity.

Risk reduction measures

  • Assess the risks before planning and building critical infrastructure.
  • Develop policies and practices for continuity management.
  • Integrate the risks into planning, foresee and reduce cascading effects.
  • Create a hazard map to identify people at risk and their vulnerability.
  • Draft national, regional and local response plans.
  • Put in place early warning/monitoring systems to inform response.
  • Ensure contingency and response plans are in place at a national and local level to evacuate people on time.
  • Assess new technologies.
  • Improve crisis communication before, during and after the event.
  • Organize training and exercises for complex scenarios involving multiple interdependent failures.
  • Educate and raise awareness on potential risks.

Latest Technical Disaster additions in the Knowledge Base

BRDNA
This Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) estimates the impact on the population, physical assets, infrastructure and service delivery, following the explosions in the Port of Beirut in August 2020.
3RF Cover
The framework for Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction (the 3RF) is a people-centered recovery and reconstruction framework, and a part of a comprehensive response to the massive explosion on the Port of Beirut on August 4, 2020.
Torill Tandberg

The COVID-19 pandemic is a stark reminder that borders cannot stop disasters. Viruses, ash clouds, radiation and chemical spills do not need passports

Geotechnical experts and data scientists from Brazil and the Netherlands collaborate in a hackathon to design and test a framework to remotely monitor safety of mine tailing dams.
Deltares
The President of the Nigerian Institute of Builders discusses the issues limiting the successful elimination of building collapse in Nigeria.
Punch, The
In India, most of the recent destructive floods have occurred due to sudden release of large quantities of dam water from reservoirs.
Down To Earth
Building collapses in Nigeria have become endemic, but experts say they can be eradicated by maintaining adequate and competent professionals in the building industry.
Nation, the - Vintage Press Limited - Nigeria

Mining has important economic benefits for British Columbia, but it also comes with environmental risks. This paper argues that requiring “financial assurance” from mining companies can reduce the risk of disaster. Legislated financial assurance

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