Landslide susceptibility mapping using logistic regression model (a case study in Badulla District, Sri Lanka)

Abstract

The landslide is a universal term covering a wide variety of mass movements and processes involved in downward movement of masses of rock, earth or debris under the influence of gravity. Landslides are among the natural disasters that are often experienced in Sri Lanka. Approximately 20,000 km2 (30.7%) of the land area of the country is highly susceptible to landslides. With the increasing demand for development and expansion of human settlements, landslides have become a major concern in the mountainous regions of the country. Therefore, identification of landslide potential associated with the terrain is important for ensuring the sustainability of developments while minimizing the possible disasters due to landslides. The study was focused on landslide susceptibility mapping in Badulla District using logistic regression model. Slope, aspect, lithology, land cover, distance from the rivers and roads were selected as the causative factors for the analysis. According to the study, 20.5% area of the district is highly and extremely highly susceptible to the occurrence of landslides, 39.3% area is moderately susceptible to landslide occurrences and 40.2% area is low susceptible to the occurrence of landslides.