Over 45% of Himachal Pradesh at risk of landslides, floods

Over 45% of Himachal Pradesh's area is highly prone to disasters such as floods, landslides, and avalanches, according to a study by researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar.

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The study, conducted by MTech scholar Daishisha Iawphniaw under the guidance of Reet Kamal Tiwari, an associate professor at IIT Ropar, used geospatial data to evaluate the state's vulnerability. Tiwari told TOI, "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". Using GIS-based mapping, the study classified hazard-prone regions, showing that flood and landslide-prone zones are typically located in lower-elevation river valleys, while high-altitude mountains face a greater threat of avalanches.

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The study also highlighted how one hazard can trigger another due to shared underlying causes and stressed that having this knowledge is crucial for improving disaster planning and risk management.

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