A recent study has critically examined the resilience of Muscat's coastal highway network (CHN) under combined hazards such as earthquakes and floods. Conducted by researchers from Sultan Qaboos University, the analysis employed fragility functions for landslides triggered by both phenomena, integrating traffic data from highway links to evaluate potential bridge damage and assess functionality post-hazard.
The study revealed alarming insights, highlighting the economic sensitivity of the CHN to flood-induced landslides. Researchers found significant increases in costs associated with these hazards, emphasizing how their intensity disproportionately impacts infrastructure and traffic flow. More than half of the highway links were deemed to require retrofitting, underscoring the urgent need for improved flood management and infrastructure upgrades across the region.
Located within the tectonically active coastal region of Oman, Muscat has historically faced serious threats from natural disasters, including cyclones and severe flooding. Events like Cyclone Gonu in 2007 and Cyclone Phet in 2010 caused extensive damage, showcasing how vulnerable the transportation infrastructure is to simultaneous hazards. According to the analysis, flooding and earthquakes not only damage physical structures but also hinder road accessibility, thereby complicate recovery efforts.
The study categorized various areas of Muscat based on resilience levels — low, moderate, and high — owing to their susceptibility to hazards and infrastructure integrity. Many sections of the coastal highway network failed to meet resilience standards, with bridges particularly at risk of significant damage from intensified multi-hazard scenarios.
To reinforce this analysis, the researchers utilized advanced methodologies involving fragility functions to quantify damage probabilities and economic loss estimates for the highway infrastructure. Structural integrity assessments revealed specific links, such as Al Khoudh Bridge and Ruwi MBD Bridge, rank high on the vulnerability scale during multi-hazard assessments.
The findings not only illuminate immediate challenges faced by Muscat's coastal highway network but also resonate with broader infrastructure development goals, aligning closely with Oman Vision 2040, which aims to bolster urban resilience and sustainable infrastructure. The insights generated provide valuable information for policymakers and urban planners, enabling them to craft effective post-hazard mitigation strategies geared toward protecting residents and ensuring efficient transportation across the city.
Reflecting on economic impacts, this study's numerous scenarios indicate flood-related damages carry greater financial consequences compared to seismic events. Notably, expected economic losses were estimated dramatically higher for flooding incidents — reinforcing the notion of floods as primary hazard drivers requiring urgent attention from urban planners.
To facilitate effective transportation logistics during and after disaster events, the transportation network’s functionality and economic recovery times were assessed. This measurement provides comprehension of how quickly fragile infrastructures can bounce back to pre-disaster operational capabilities.
Consequently, the researchers advocated for proactive measures, including targeted retrofitting and vulnerability assessment of key structures within the coastal highway network to guarantee functionality and alleviate disaster-related economic losses. These recommendations not only support sustainable infrastructure development but also contribute to the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for innovation and resilience.
The study’s methodologies hold promise beyond Muscat, offering adaptable frameworks for other global coastal cities similarly grappling with multi-hazard challenges. By enhancing infrastructure resilience, cities can benefit from minimized disruptions during extreme weather events, aligning disaster preparedness techniques with innovative urban management practices.
