Large-scale Debris Flow Disasters: Hazard-Risk-Vulnerability Analysis Approach in Taiwan

Abstract

Catastrophic disasters may cause irreversible damage to cultural heritage. This study identified the risk to cultural heritage sites in Taiwan posed by large-scale debris flow disasters. The cultural heritage sites that may be affected by debris flows were identified through risk identification and by using GIS. Subsequently, an on-site field survey was conducted to confirm the cultural heritage sites that are potentially vulnerable to debris flow disasters. The research findings are as follows: (a) the top three cultural heritage sites that are most affected by debris flows are municipal, county, and city monuments, historical buildings, and historical sites; (b) the number of cultural heritage sites affected is related to environmental exploitation; (c) the cultural heritage sites at high risk of being affected by disasters were primarily located in Taitung and Chiayi Counties.