Landslides are one of the most prevalent and destructive disasters, causing substantial damage to human lives, infrastructure, and the environment. Their occurrence is governed by complex interactions of geological, topographical, climatic, and anthropogenic factors. With the increasing impacts of climate change and expanding human settlements into vulnerable regions, landslide occurrences are expected to intensify in both frequency and magnitude. This study focuses on developing a comprehensive landslide inventory for Gangtok and Pakyong districts in East Sikkim, integrating historical records and remote sensing data. Analysis of historical records revealed 478 landslides, predominantly shallow debris flows, with some spanning up to 30,000 sq. m. Landslides are concentrated along critical transportation corridors like NH-10 and NH-310A. Geological controls, such as the presence of Phyllite and Quartzite lithologies and zones of structural weakness like the MCT, significantly influence landslide dynamics. Between 2019 and 2023, an additional 113 landslides were recorded, raising the total to 591. Recurrence patterns indicated a shift from predominantly new landslides to a higher recurrence rate in recent years. The spatial distribution of high-risk areas also shifted during this period due to land-use and land-cover changes, with rising built-up areas correlating with increased landslide densities. The inventory developed combining historical records and semi-automatic mapping method provides detailed insights into landslide occurrence, recurrence, and spatial distribution. It highlights the significant role of natural and anthropogenic factors. This comprehensive inventory would serve as a vital tool for informed land-use planning, disaster preparedness, and the development of targeted mitigation strategies in East Sikkim.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Landslide Inventory in Parts of Sikkim, Eastern Indian Himalaya: Navigating Spatial and Temporal Patterns

  • Kuldeep Dutta,
  • Nishchal Wanjari,
  • Anil Kumar Misra

摘要

Landslides are one of the most prevalent and destructive disasters, causing substantial damage to human lives, infrastructure, and the environment. Their occurrence is governed by complex interactions of geological, topographical, climatic, and anthropogenic factors. With the increasing impacts of climate change and expanding human settlements into vulnerable regions, landslide occurrences are expected to intensify in both frequency and magnitude. This study focuses on developing a comprehensive landslide inventory for Gangtok and Pakyong districts in East Sikkim, integrating historical records and remote sensing data. Analysis of historical records revealed 478 landslides, predominantly shallow debris flows, with some spanning up to 30,000 sq. m. Landslides are concentrated along critical transportation corridors like NH-10 and NH-310A. Geological controls, such as the presence of Phyllite and Quartzite lithologies and zones of structural weakness like the MCT, significantly influence landslide dynamics. Between 2019 and 2023, an additional 113 landslides were recorded, raising the total to 591. Recurrence patterns indicated a shift from predominantly new landslides to a higher recurrence rate in recent years. The spatial distribution of high-risk areas also shifted during this period due to land-use and land-cover changes, with rising built-up areas correlating with increased landslide densities. The inventory developed combining historical records and semi-automatic mapping method provides detailed insights into landslide occurrence, recurrence, and spatial distribution. It highlights the significant role of natural and anthropogenic factors. This comprehensive inventory would serve as a vital tool for informed land-use planning, disaster preparedness, and the development of targeted mitigation strategies in East Sikkim.