ИСТИНА

In addition to direct social and economic damage, natural hazards also have a devastating impact on technological facilities, which may trigger accidents at these facilities. Particularly dangerous consequences for the population and the environment are caused by such natural-technological accidents (Natechs), which result in the release of various pollutants including oil. This report analyzes Natech accidents with spills of oil and oil products. The materials of the author's database of technological and natural-technological accidents occurring in Russia since 1991 are used as initial information. The types of natural hazards that caused accidents with oil spills on the territory of Russia during the period under consideration are identified. Natechs make up about 3% of all accidents with oil spills. The main triggers of these accidents are hydro-meteorological hazards such as strong winds, storms, snowfalls and rainfalls, floods, melting waters, lightning, and heat wave, as well as landslides. Earthquakes cause the largest damage, but they are more rare events. Most often, oil leaks occur as a result of the destruction of oil storage facilities, oil pipelines or ship accidents. The regions of the greatest risk of accidents with oil spills in Russia are identified.