Risks

The threats to national defence, national security, and public order are discussed in more detail below, as well as events that could lead to civil crises – epidemics, natural disasters, and technological accidents.

""

1 | 1

    Collapse

    varisenud hoone

    Threat assessment: Large-scale collapses of apartment buildings or mines are considered unlikely. Compared with the previous assessment, the risk level has not changed.

    The causes of collapses can be broadly divided as follows:

    • Design or construction errors: mistakes made during the planning or construction of buildings, illegal alterations, misuse of the structure, poor maintenance, or structural ageing.
    • Natural forces: for example, excessive snow loads or soil washed away by erosion.
    • Underground mining: collapses or subsidence of mine workings and shafts may cause ground deformations or deep sinkholes, leading to structural damage to buildings on the surface.
    Threats

    The main problems affecting buildings are:

    • Cracks or failures of load-bearing structures caused by foundation subsidence.
    • Poor technical condition and deterioration of building structures.
    • Poor technical condition of balconies in panel buildings.
    • Illegal extensions or removal of load-bearing structures.
    • Buildings rendered unsafe due to fire or traffic accidents.

    Actions
    • The Environmental Board receives an average of 2–3 reports per year of mining-related sinkholes. By the beginning of 2024, there were 10 sinkholes known to be awaiting safety measures and remediation.
    • Through the Land Board and Spatial Data Agency’s geoportal, it is possible to access the mineral deposits mapping application, which provides information on areas undermined by oil shale mining, preserved structures left during underground mining, and the locations of mine shafts.
    Guidelines

    Warning signs of collapse risk include explosions, subsidence of building structures, or the rapid cracking and breaking of walls, ceilings, or floors.

    If you are unable to exit a collapsing building:

    • Stay calm.
    • Protect your airways from dust.
    • Call 112 if possible.
    • Move slowly and cautiously.
    • Signal your presence, but conserve your strength.

    Last updated on 20.11.2025

    national risk assessment