Extensive application of a methodology to evaluate a tsunami-resilient transportation system

Abstract

A methodology for an assessment of resiliency of a transportation system threatened by a disaster has been evaluated as to whether it is applicable in small coastal communities at risk of tsunamis. A case study was carried out in Otsuchi town in Japan. The result shows that, although the methodology is well-designed to apply in different cities in terms of the data collection, there are challenges in capturing the resiliency of the transportation system in the unique geography of the town and against the tsunami-specific impacts. Besides, it was found that the methodology fails to take disaster-counter measures into account, e.g. a higher dike and a land elevation for the future tsunamis, which also could enhance the resiliency of a transportation system. Nevertheless, it was discussed using Wegener's circle that the methodology captures well a transportation system threatened by a disaster from both demand and supply perspective. A conclusion was drawn by some recommendations to make the methodology more tsunami-resilience focused.