Spatial distribution of landslide vulnerability level in Langkat Regency, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Forest and land degradation tend increase and can trigger an increased risk of disaster. The andslide is a deadly disaster that frequently occurs in Indonesia, particularly in Langkat Regency. The study objective was to analyze the spatial distribution of landslide vulnerability levels in Langkat Regency, North Sumatera Province. The spatial distribution of landslide vulnerability level was used the Storie Index method with four variables, including rainfall, slope, soil type, and land cover type. The results of this study were the landslide vulnerability level and the area of spatial distribution with high – very high vulnerability levels. The spatial distribution of landslide vulnerability level in Langkat Regency is mostly at a moderate level with the area reaching nearly 32%, while the area of the high – very high vulnerability level is 19,77% of the total area of Langkat Regency. The widest area that occupied the high – very high landslide vulnerability level in Langkat Regency includes three districts, including Bahorok, Batang Serangan, and Sei Bingai. Areas that are very vulnerable to landslides are generally precipitous with a land cover of plantation and agricultural areas. Most of the high landslide vulnerability areas are included in the Gunung Leuser National Park area. Various parties need to pay serious attention to landslide areas with high – very high vulnerability levels to reduce disaster risk.