Nearly half of Himachal Pradesh prone to landslide, floods, avalanches

More than 45% of Himachal Pradesh's land area is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and avalanches, according to a study by researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar. The findings were presented at the 2nd Indian Cryosphere Meet (ICM) held at IIT Bombay on February 14-15, where nearly 80 glaciologists, researchers, and scientists from around the world participated, a TOI report stated.

Multi-hazard mapping to aid disaster planning

The IIT Ropar research team conducted hazard susceptibility mapping as part of a broader effort to assess multi-hazard vulnerability across Himalayan states. The study aims to identify high-risk regions and support targeted disaster risk reduction strategies.

MTech scholar Daishisha Iawphniaw conducted the study under the guidance of Reet Kamal Tiwari, an associate professor at IIT Ropar. Tiwari said, "The study found that areas with mean slopes between 5.9 degrees and 16.4 degrees and elevations up to 1,600 meters are particularly prone to both landslides and floods. Meanwhile, higher-altitude regions with slopes between 16.8 degrees and 41.5 degrees are more likely to experience both avalanches and landslides." He added that steep mountain slopes and elevations above 3,000 meters are at the "highest risk."

GIS-based mapping highlights risk zones

Using GIS-based mapping, the study classified hazard-prone regions, revealing that flood and landslide-prone zones are typically located in lower-elevation river valleys, while high-altitude areas face a greater threat of avalanches. The study also emphasized how one hazard can trigger another due to shared underlying causes, making disaster planning and risk management critical.

July 2023 floods highlight vulnerability

Himachal Pradesh has witnessed severe natural disasters in recent years. In July 2023, heavy rainfall triggered devastating floods and landslides, causing significant infrastructure damage and loss of life. Flash floods and cloudbursts were the primary causes of destruction.

Similar studies underway in other states

Tiwari mentioned that similar multi-hazard vulnerability studies are being conducted in Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and the northeastern states. "For Uttarakhand, we are collaborating with IIT Roorkee to conduct the study," he said. The findings from these studies are expected to contribute to improved disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies across the Himalayan region.