Landslide Risk Assessment in Cagayan de Oro
Landslide Risk Assessment in Cagayan de Oro
The relationship between geological factors like lithology and landslide risk involves the physical characteristics of soil and rock formations which affect slope stability. Lithology determines the composition and structural properties of the earth materials that can influence water infiltration and retention, impacting landslide susceptibility. The study uses lithology to assess how these geological conditions contribute to both the hazard and vulnerability components of their risk assessment .
The study provides insights that areas with higher population density tend to exhibit a higher landslide risk. This is due to increased potential for human casualty and economic loss in densely populated areas if a landslide occurs. The socio-economic and exposure factors in the risk assessment indicate that managing population density could be crucial in reducing landslide risk .
Socio-economic factors influence the landslide vulnerability assessment by affecting how communities are impacted by landslides. The study considers social parameters such as population density, economic activity, and infrastructure development. Areas with higher population density or economically significant infrastructure are deemed more vulnerable as landslides could result in greater human and economic losses, thus magnifying their vulnerability score on the risk map .
GIS plays a crucial role in the landslide risk assessment by providing a platform to integrate and overlay various data layers such as slope, land cover, and population density on 10m x 10m grids. This allows for a spatial analysis of multiple factors contributing to landslide susceptibility, ultimately producing a composite risk map. The graphical representation from GIS enhances the understanding of landslide susceptibilities and helps in pinpointing high-risk areas within the studied barangays .
Involving seismic intensity in the landslide risk index is crucial because seismic activities can exacerbate landslide susceptibility by weakening slopes and triggering sudden movements. While meteorological triggers like rainfall are pivotal, seismic events introduce another dimension of risk, especially given the proximity to fault lines. By incorporating seismic intensity, the study provides a comprehensive risk profile for landslides, accounting for both frequent and infrequent triggers .
The creation of a landslide risk map is significant for urban planning in Cagayan de Oro City as it identifies areas at high risk of landslides with precision. Planners can use this map to avoid high-risk zones when making zoning decisions, ensure that new developments abide by safety standards, and implement preventative measures to reduce the likelihood and impact of landslide disasters. This contributes to safer urban expansion and infrastructure development in the city .
The study suggests that the quantitative risk maps generated can guide local government officials to prioritize the development of mitigation plans for areas identified as high risk. Furthermore, it recommends using these maps to improve warning systems for landslide occurrences and to make informed decisions regarding urban planning and land use policies to minimize landslide risks in Cagayan de Oro City .
Carmen is identified as having the most landslides due to its high population density and the presence of areas with steep slopes, which heightens landslide susceptibility. The study indicates that Carmen's geographical and socio-economic profile makes it more prone to landslides when triggered by heavy rainfall and seismic activities compared to the other barangays .
The researchers assessed landslide risk in the barangays of Cagayan de Oro City by creating a map using Geographic Information Software (GIS) to analyze high-risk locations triggered by seismic and rain-induced factors. The risk index was computed as a function of multiple parameters: slope, lithology, soil humidity, land cover, rain intensity, and seismic intensity for hazard assessment; socio-economic factors for vulnerability; and population density for exposure. They generated maps in 10m x 10m grids to visualize these factors and determine areas of high landslide risk .
Rainfall intensity contributes to the landslide hazard as heavy rainfall increases soil moisture, which can trigger landslides on steep slopes. The study mentions that extreme rainfall events are a common occurrence in the city and significantly factor into the hazard index. Areas with intense rainfall are likely assessed with a higher hazard rating due to the increased chance of saturation and subsequent slope failure .