Landslide Hazard Risk Assessment and Landuse Planning of Mayoon, Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Abstract

Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan is highly vulnerable and hazard-prone area according to National Disaster Managerment Authority, based on frequency of avalanches, landslides, glacier lake outburst floods, rockfall and flash floods. These hazards have been quite frequent since 2010, potentially due to changing climatic conditions and unique tectonic setting resulting in massive destruction, economic loss and human migration. In this study, geospatial techniques (GIS/RS) were used to identify landslide hazard with elements at risk. The resultant maps will be used for better planning and resilience of local communities. Landslide area has been marked based on field observations (GPS data). Risk category is ranked high, medium and low based on field observations, geological setting and historical landslide data. There are six offshoots of MKT crossing parallel to each other along KKH from Chalt to Ahmadabad. Chalt fault is crossing nearby the Mayoon landslide, which may affect the entire valley. This study identifies landslide as a major hazard in the area.