This Research Topic is Volume III of a series. The previous volume can be found here: Spatial Modelling and Failure Analysis of Natural and Engineering Disasters through Data-based Methods - Volume II and Spatial Modelling and Failure Analysis of Natural and Engineering Disasters through Data-based Methods Natural and engineering disasters, which include landslides, rock fall, rainstorm, dam failure, floods, earthquakes, road and building disasters and wildfires, appear as results of the progressive or extreme evolution of climatic, tectonic and geomorphological processes and human engineering activities. It is significant to explore the failure mechanism and carry out spatial modeling of these engineering and natural disasters due to their serious harm to the safety of people's lives and property. The data-based methods, including advanced and successful remote sensing, geographic information systems, machine learning and numerical simulation techniques methods, are promising tools to analyze these complex disasters. Machine Learning models such as neurofuzzy logic, decision tree, artificial neural network, deep learning and evolutionary algorithms are characterized by their abilities to produce knowledge and discover hidden and unknown patterns and trends from large databases, whereas remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems appear as significant technology equipped with tools for data manipulation and advanced mathematical modeling. What is more, the numerical simulation can also be acknowledged as advanced technologies for discovering hidden failure mechanism of disasters. The main objective of this Research Topic is to provide a scientific forum for advancing the successful implementation of Machine Learning (ML) and numerical simulation techniques in operation rules, failure mechanism, spatial and time series prediction, susceptibility mapping, hazard assessment, vulnerability modeling, risk assessment and early warning of complex natural and engineering disasters.

The term 'natural disaster' is often used to refer to natural events such as earthquakes, hurricanes or floods. However, the phrase 'natural disaster' suggests an uncritical acceptance of a deeply engrained ideological and cultural myth. At Risk questions this myth and argues that extreme natural events are not disasters until a vulnerable group of people is exposed. The updated new edition confronts a further ten years of ever more expensive and deadly disasters and discusses disaster not as an aberration, but as a signal failure of mainstream 'development'. Two analytical models are provided as tools for understanding vulnerability. One links remote and distant 'root causes' to 'unsafe conditions' in a 'progression of vulnerability'. The other uses the concepts of 'access' and 'livelihood' to understand why some households are more vulnerable than others. Examining key natural events and incorporating strategies to create a safer world, this revised edition is an important resource for those involved in the fields of environment and development studies.