Estimation of economic losses caused by disruption of lifeline service: An analysis of the Memphis Light, Gas and Water system
- EQE International, Irvine, CA (United States)
The assessment of economic impact remains an important missing link in earthquake loss estimation procedures. This paper presents a general methodology for evaluating the economic losses caused by seismically-induced disruption of lifeline service in an urban area. The methodology consists of three steps: (1) development of a lifeline usage model on an industry basis; (2) estimation of the spatial distribution of economic activity throughout the urban area; and (3) assessment of direct losses through evaluation of the spatial coincidence of economic activity with lifeline service disruption. To demonstrate this methodology, a pilot analysis was conducted on the Memphis Light, Gas and Water electric power system for a Magnitude 7.5 earthquake in New Madrid seismic Zone. Using newly-available empirical data, business interruption in Shelby County, Tennessee, was estimated for major industries in the local economy. Extensions of the methodology are also discussed.
- OSTI ID:
- 403422
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9508226--; ISBN 0-7844-0101-2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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