A network-based analysis of the impact of structural damage on urban accessibility following a disaster: the case of the seismically damaged Port Au Prince and Carrefour urban road networks

The magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010 led to an unprecedented effort in collecting and providing geographical information in support of humanitarian aid. Although most of the compiled datasets and generated maps were able to provide specific and detailed information regarding the location of damaged buildings and road interruptions, none or little information was available to describe the accessibility—or otherwise—of the urban space. Here we try to offer an alternative method to define the urban accessibility landscape in the aftermath of earthquake damage, by combining simple graph theory concepts and GIS-based spatial analysis to assess how the urban space accessibility decreases when the road network is damaged.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We combine GIS data processing with network analysis. ► We analyze road disruptions induced by natural hazards. ► The urban space connectivity after an earthquake is assessed. ► We quantify the increased isolation of affected areas from road network damage. ► A reduced accessibility index map is drawn for the affected area.