DefinePK

Abstract

The 8th October 2005 Kashmir earthquake (7.6 Mw) triggered thousands of landslides in the Muzaffarabad and Balakot, Pakistan. This study aims to evaluate landslide induced vulnerability and risk to the buildings. Building footprint maps were developed from satellite image (SPOT-5) and required attributes such as construction material, roof material, building use, building height and household's data were collected from field visits. Quantitative method was used to assess the landslide induced vulnerability and risk in the area. The number of buildings located in high, moderate and low susceptibility zone were estimated by crossing the landslide susceptibility map and building footprint map. Landslide hazard probability was calculated as a result of combining landslide susceptibility map and landslide return period map. Spatial probability was determined by calculating cumulative landslide area in each susceptibility class. Absolute vulnerability of the buildings was multiplied with landslide spatial probability to derive the total loss for different return-period scenarios and shown in a risk curve. The study shall help the concern agencies to mitigate the devastating impacts of landslides.