Micro-level landslide hazard zonation of Serchhip town, Mizoram, India, using high resolution satellite data

R. K. Lallianthanga , F. Lalbiakmawia

Science Vision 13 (1), 14-23 | Published on 30 March 2013 |

Abstract

Landslide has been one of the major geo-environmental problems in the hilly regions such as Mizoram. It is the most frequent and disruptive natural hazard to which Serchhip town is exposed. Owing to its frequent occurrence, loss of human lives and properties due to landslide are quite common amongst the residents. Although, landslides occur naturally, most of its causes can be attributed to unplanned activities on sites that are susceptible to its occurrence. Such areas are commonly found within the urban complexes where increasing population growth has necessitated the expansion of various infrastructural amenities and constructions are done without proper consideration of site safety and feasibility. Considering the present scenario, this study has been taken up to investigate the landslide hazard zonation (LHZ) of Serchhip town using high resolution satellite data. Various thematic layers, namely, slope morphometry, geological structures like faults and lineaments, lithology, geomorphology and land use/land cover were generated using remote sensing data and geographic information system (GIS). The weightage rating system based on relative importance of various causative factors is used on the different classes of thematic layers. The classes were assigned the corresponding rating value as attribute information in the GIS environment. Each class within a thematic layer was assigned an ordinal rating from 0 to 10. Summation of these attribute value were then multiplied by the corresponding weights to yield the different zones of landslide hazard. A landslide hazard zonation map was prepared showing five different zones which can assist in decision making during the pre-disaster management processes and the development of mitigation strategies.

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