Understanding Multi-Hazard Risks: Why It Matters and How It Affects Us.

At MIRACA, we study how multiple major disasters—like floods, wildfires, earthquakes, landslides and storms—can spatially and temporarily overlap and intensify the total risk. This is called multi-hazard risk. Instead of looking at disasters separately, we focus on how they interact, leading to greater challenges for communities, businesses, and governments. 

Why Multi-Hazard Risks Matter. 

Disasters rarely happen in isolation. Sometimes, one event triggers another, two (or more) disasters occur simultaneously or in succession, making recovery harder. For example: 

• Heavy rain can cause both flooding and landslides. 

• An earthquake can trigger a landslide. 

• Drought and heatwaves increase the frequency of wildfires. 

Multiple disasters in a short time can increase the vulnerability of Critical Infrastructure and slow down recovery efforts. 

By understanding these interactions, we can better prepare for, and reduce, the impact of these disasters. 

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How This Study Helps Communities. 

Our research at MIRACA helps cities and communities by: 

• Predicting Disaster Scenarios – We study how different disasters may occur simultaneously or successively, considering climate change and cascading failures. 

• Improving Infrastructure Resilience – Understanding multi-hazard risks allows better design of critical infrastructure (e.g., buildings, bridges, and road network) to withstand multiple threats. 

• Reducing Economic Losses – By estimating the cost of compound disasters, stakeholders can invest in smarter adaptation strategies. 

• Saving Lives – Better planning and awareness help communities evacuate safely and recover faster. 

The Bigger Picture. 

Our work translates into real-world impact by helping governments, businesses, and communities make better decisions about disaster preparedness and adaptation measures. By considering multi-hazard risk, we can build stronger, safer, and more resilient societies. 

The goal? Fewer losses, faster recovery, and a future where disasters don’t have to mean devastation. At MIRACA, we are committed to making this vision a reality. 

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Author.

Stavroula Fotopoulou, Anna Karatzetzou, Stella Karafagka and Paraskevi Tsoumani.

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) Greece.

Contact: sfotopou@civil.auth.gr