High Hazard Zones Research Articles

Assessment of Seismic Hazard in Relation to Rock-Burst Prevention Modifications in KGHM Polish Copper JSC Polkowice - Sieroszowice Mine, Poland

The Polkowice-Sieroszowice mine is one of three underground copper ore mines in Poland. These three mines belong to KGHM Polish Copper JSC, excavating one of the largest copper ore deposits in the world. The deposit is situated in the south-western part of Poland in the Lower Silesia province. Due to the specific and difficult geological-and-mining conditions in the three mines, seismic events occur which often result in an excavation serious damage defined as the rock-burst or elastic recovery. Such dynamic phenomena have been occurring since 1972 and have posed the most dangerous natural threats in underground workings. Therefore, the mining technology has to take the account of seismic hazard prevention. Numerous preventive measures adjusted to the conditions prevailing in the given operating field have to be applied so that the hazards can be mitigated, fought or limited. The appropriate choice of prevention activities must be preceded by measurements and observations, which constitute different methods for identifying, predicting and assessing the condition of the rock mass as well as for evaluating the protection effectiveness. In the Polkowice-Sieroszowice mine the rock-burst prevention involves: assessment of rock mass state and active, technological, and organizational-technical methods for combating the hazard. The active prevention consists in blasting works which provoke the rock mass to distress itself and thus to reduce its capability to accumulate elastic energy. The technological prevention embraces yielding the edges of the walls and pillars in the place of development, the extraction of the deposit with a wide opening of the front and the adjustment of the size of the technological pillar to the local geological and mining conditions. The organizational-technical measures introduce after-blasting waiting time and high hazard zones where the number of employees should be reduced. The influence of changes and improvements in the prevention activities on the seismic hazard was analysed and determined. The effectiveness of prevention methods was assessed in connection with their modifications, which concerned certain elements of active methods, the pillar size changes and alterations in the frequency of rock mass observations. Most of these modifications resulted from the operational progress and had a little impact on the seismic activity. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of such alterations was calculated. The research was carried out for one mining division in the Polkowice-Sieroszowice mine over the period of 2013-2015 years. The increase in the effectiveness of seismic/rock-burst prevention in most cases resulted in reduction of seismic activity.

Shake Table Response of Unreinforced Masonry and Reinforced Concrete Elements of Special Moment Resisting Frame

Half‐scaled reinforced concrete frame of two storeys and two bays with unreinforced masonry (URM) infill walls was subjected to base excitation on a shake table for seismic performance evaluation. Considering the high seismic hazard Zone IV of Pakistan, reinforcement detailing in the RC frame is provided according to special moment resisting frames (SMFRs) requirement of Building Code of Pakistan Seismic‐Provisions (BCP SP‐2007). The reinforced concrete frame was infilled with in‐plane solid masonry walls in its interior frame, in‐plane masonry walls with door and window openings in the exterior frame, out‐of‐plane solid masonry wall, and masonry wall with door and window openings in its interior frame. For seismic capacity qualification test, the structure was subjected to three runs of unidirectional base excitation with increasing intensity. For system identification, ambient‐free vibration tests were performed at different stages of experiment. Seismic performance of brick masonry infill walls in reinforced concrete frame structures was evaluated. During the shake table test, performance of URM infill walls was satisfactory until design ground acceleration was 0.40g with a global drift of 0.23%. The test was continued till 1.24g of base acceleration. This paper presents key findings from the shake table tests, including the qualitative damage observations and quantitative force‐displacement, and hysteretic response of the test specimen at different levels of excitation. Experimental results of this test will serve as a benchmark for validation of numerical and analytical models.

LANDSLIDE HAZARD ZONATION IN AND AROUND KEDARNATH REGION AND ITS VALIDATION BASED ON REAL TIME KEDARNATH DISASTER USING GEOSPATIAL TECHNIQUES

Abstract. Landslides are one of the frequently happening disasters in this hilly state of Uttarakhand which accounts to the loss of lives and property every year especially during the rainy season which lead to affect the families. With the development of satellite observation technique, advanced data analysis tool and new modeling techniques landslide hazard zonation map can be prepared.In the present study, Landslide Hazard Zonation (LHZ) for Kedarnath to Augustmuni region of Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state was carried out using Remote Sensing and GIS technique. For the preparation of LHZ map, year 2010 high resolution satellite data have been used. After preprocessing of the data various thematic layers are prepared in GIS environment. The weighted-rating system technique were used for the LHZ map showing the five zones, namely “very low hazard”, “low hazard”, “moderate hazard”, “high hazard” and “very high hazard” . This map has been validated after the tragedy of Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, Total no. of 224 Landslides has been marked from Kedarnath to Augustmuni region just after the kedarnath tragedy in year 2013. When this landslides thematic layer is overlaid on LHZ, the study shows that approximately 50% landslides was there where in LHZ map high and very high hazard zones have been identified. After the tragedy our team workers have gone to the field, with the help of DGPS around 40 ground control points have been taken to validate our result. So by using this geospatial technique around 50% people’s life can be saved.

Assessment of density area and LNRF models in landslide hazard zonation (Case study: Alamout watershed, Qazvin Province, Iran)

Landslide is one of the natural disasters causing both life loss and financial damage. To plan and manage landslides better, it is necessary to produce landslide hazard zonation (LHZ) maps. Alamout watershed is one of the most susceptible landslides located in a mountainous area in north of Iran. At first, required information of layers such as geology, soil, elevation, slope, aspect, rainfall, and distance to fault, road, river, and land use factors from different sources were provided. Landslide inventory map was prepared using geological map, aerial photos and filed investigation with GPS. The map of each effective factor on the landslide was combined with the landslide distribution map to determine the weight of each factor. Landslide hazard zonation map was prepared with density area and LNRF methods in the Geographic Information System (GIS). The two models were evaluated with quality sum (Qs). Results showed that the density area method (Qs= 1.496) was more accurate than the LNRF model (Qs= 0.897). The results obtained from density area model indicated that very high hazard zones were approximately 33% of the study area. Additionally, low and very low hazard zones were almost 6.8% of the watershed. In the LNRF model, very low and low hazard zones were approximately 28% and high and very high hazard zones were 48% of the studying region.

Landslide hazard zonation using analytical hierarchy process along National Highway-3 in mid Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh, India

Landslide zonation studies emphasize on preparation of landslide hazard zonation maps considering major instability factors contributing to occurrence of landslides. This paper deals with geographic information system-based landslide hazard zonation in mid Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh from Mandi to Kullu by considering nine relevant instability factors to develop the hazard zonation map. Analytical hierarchy process was applied to assign relative weightages over all ranges of instability factors of the slopes in study area. To generate landslide hazard zonation map, layers in geographic information system were created corresponding to each instability factor. An inventory of existing major landslides in the study area was prepared and combined with the landslide hazard zonation map for validation purpose. The validation of the model was made using area under curve technique and reveals good agreement between the produced hazard map and previous landslide inventory with prediction accuracy of 79.08%. The landslide hazard zonation map was classified by natural break classifier into very low hazard, low hazard, moderate hazard, high hazard and very high landslide hazard classes in geographic information system depending upon the frequency of occurrence of landslides in each class. The resultant hazard zonation map shows that 14.30% of the area lies in very high hazard zone followed by 15.97% in high hazard zone. The proposed model provides the best-fit classification using hierarchical approach for the causative factors of landslides having complex structure. The developed hazard zonation map is useful for landslide preparedness, land-use planning, and social-economic and sustainable development of the region.

Flood hazard mapping using FLO-2D and local management strategies of Dire Dawa city, Ethiopia

Study regionThis study was conducted in Dire Dawa city of Ethiopia, where flood hazard occurs on regular basis. Study focusThe study was conducted with the aim of mapping flood hazard and exploring local flood risk management strategies. As to flood mapping, FLO-2D hydrodynamic model was employed to identify flood prone villages. FLO-2D was chosen for its versatility to use different data sources. To identify local flood management strategies, household survey was conducted on 232 households located in flood prone areas. New hydrological insights for the regionThe final result of flood hazard map identified about 1163 buildings located inside high, medium and low flood hazard zones. The validity of the FLO-2D model versus ground truth was statistically tasted and showed a strong positive correlation. Flood smell, cloud direction, extreme weather and gunshot were identified as the locally used flood early warning strategies. Even if, the local flood risk management strategies have helped to reduce the level of vulnerability at normal condition, the gap is observed when extreme events are recorded. It is highly recommended that the flood hazard map developed for the city and existing flood management strategies are properly utilized for future flood risk planning of Dire Dawa city and its watershed.

Landslide Susceptibility Zonation Mapping in Post- Earthquake Scenario in Gorkha District

Landslide hazard zonation map is prepared to assist planners to implement mitigation measures so that further damage and loss can be minimized. In this study, post 25 April 2015 earthquake remote sensing data were used to prepare landslide inventory. Landsat images after the earthquake were downloaded from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) website and processed using ArcGIS, ERDAS imagine and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) as an extension in ArcGIS. The study was carried out in Gorkha district as this was the epicenter of the main earthquake of 25 April 2015 and consequently was highly affected by earthquake triggered landslide. The digital imagery was processed to analyze land use/land cover type. Geological features were analyzed using the criteria like color, tone, topography, stream drainage, etc. Primary topographic features like slope, aspect, elevation, etc. were generated from Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Seismological data (magnitude and epicenter) were obtained from Department of Seismology. For Landslide Susceptibility Zonation (LSZ) different thematic maps like Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) map, slope map, aspect map, lithological map, buffer map (distance from road and river/water source), soil map, and seismological map were assigned relative weights on the ordinal scale to obtain Landslide Susceptibility Index (LSI). Threshold values were selected according to breaks in LSI frequency and a LSZ map was prepared which shows very low, low, moderate, high, very high hazard zones in Gorkha district.

GIS-based landslide susceptibility assessment in Eyinoke Hilly Area of Okeigbo, SW, Nigeria

Many areas are exposed to different types of natural hazards including landslides, which can lead to loss of lives, injury to people, damage to property and disruption of economic activities. This paper assessed the landslide susceptibility and quantifies the hazard and risk related to landslides in Okeigbo, southwest, Nigeria using remote sensing imageries, geographic information system (GIS) and logistic regression model. The result revealed that slope, elevation, aspect, profile curvature, distance from road and land use influence landslide susceptibility. Current landslide and the most susceptible areas to landslides were within the areas with high slopes especially at slope angles of landslide occurred on slopes between 14 % and 25 % in the upper, steep and narrow ridge with elevation of between 413 m and 459 m. The landslide occurred northwest aspect class where there is increased land use activities characterized by deforestation and improper agricultural practices. It was further revealed that the landslide occurred about 200 m close to the road and potential areas were landslides can occur in the future are closely located within the 100-300 m buffer zones. Generally, Slopes have more influence than land cover for the susceptibility map. Although a smaller portion of the study area is presently located in the high hazard zone, intensive land use activities on the steep slope could expose the land to other triggering factors such as rainfall. A landslide susceptibility assessment and monitoring will assist in prediction, management future occurrences and general developmental planning in the area. Keywords: Landslide hazard, Vulnerability, Geographical information system; remotely sensed data

Role of physical settings on increasing flood hazard in Muscat Built-up areas (2007-2015) using GIS

This study aims at evaluating selected environmental attributes of urban development pathways in relation to their impacts on increasing cyclone-related flooding in the Governorate of Muscat for the years 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2015. A probability-weighted flood hazard map for the 2015 urban areas was produced by combining all selected environmental attributes into one probability equation, with each attribute given a weight. The 2015 urban flood hazard map showed that 31.7 km² (8.1% of total urban areas) of the built up area is located in the very high flooding hazard zone, 88.3 km² (22.6% of urban area) is located in the high flood hazard zone, 130.5 km² (33.5% of urban area) is located in the medium flooding hazard zone, and 113.4 km² (29.1% of urban area) and 26.1 km² (6.7% of urban area) located in the low and very low flooding hazard zones. The outputs from this research emphasize the potential of environmental forces to increase flood damages. The findings provide decision makers with spatially-explicit evidences on affected areas for more effective evacuation and rescue plans.

Role of physical settings on increasing flood hazard in Muscat Built-up areas (2007-2015) using GIS

This study aims at evaluating selected environmental attributes of urban development pathways in relation to their impacts on increasing cyclone-related flooding in the Governorate of Muscat for the years 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2015. A probability-weighted flood hazard map for the 2015 urban areas was produced by combining all selected environmental attributes into one probability equation, with each attribute given a weight. The 2015 urban flood hazard map showed that 31.7 km² (8.1% of total urban areas) of the built up area is located in the very high flooding hazard zone, 88.3 km² (22.6% of urban area) is located in the high flood hazard zone, 130.5 km² (33.5% of urban area) is located in the medium flooding hazard zone, and 113.4 km² (29.1% of urban area) and 26.1 km² (6.7% of urban area) located in the low and very low flooding hazard zones. The outputs from this research emphasize the potential of environmental forces to increase flood damages. The findings provide decision makers with spatially-explicit evidences on affected areas for more effective evacuation and rescue plans.

Dynamic model of forest area on flood zone of Padang City, West Sumatra Province-Indonesia

The flood disaster has caused many harm to human life, and the change of watershed characteristic is one of the factors causing the flood disaster. The increase of deforestation due to the increase of water causes the occurrence of flood disaster in the rainy season. The research objective was to develop a dynamic model of forest on flood hazard zone using powersim 10.1. In model development, there are three scenarios: optimistic, moderate, and pessimistic. The study shows that in Padang there are about 13 percent of high flood hazard zones. Deforestation of 4.5 percent/year is one cause that may increased the flooding intensity in Padang. There will be 14 percent of total forest area when management policy of forest absence in 2050.

A geographic information system-based approach of flood hazards modelling, Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal, India.

From the beginning of civilisation, human beings have preferred living on the river banks which have been the most vulnerable areas of flood hazards and consequent disasters. During the monsoon period, in many developing countries of south-east Asia, flood hazards and disasters have been a serious challenge for their development. Most of the rivers exceed their normal channel capacity attaining the flood stage and frequently overflow their banks, causing great havoc to the life and property of the people. Flooding is a very serious problem in many districts of West Bengal. The prime concern of delineation of flood-prone areas is to regulate the land use in the flood-prone areas to restrict damage potential and also mitigate the negative effects of floods on people and the economy. In a regulated way, flood-prone areas are required to be developed. Because, on one hand, it is to be ensured that existing hazard and flood damage potential do not increase and new developmental works become a step towards mitigation of disaster risk. In a perspective view, the demarcation and identification of flood-prone areas of different magnitudes, frequencies and return periods on a large-scale map seem to have great importance. Satellite-derived flood maps from 2007 to 2016 have been applied to form a flood frequency map and the same as a group of flood depth maps has been employed to produce the Flood Damage Map for depth data of flood. Finally, the modelling of flood hazards has been directed by envisaging amalgamation of Flood Depth and Flood Affected Frequency. Then the final flood hazard map amalgamated with population and housing data has been used to ascertain the flood disclosure for these two components. Flood hazard analysis in the study area revealed that 24% of the population has been located in high flood hazard zones, where 39% of human settlements are located in different flood hazard zones.

Recognition of Strong Earthquake Prone Areas in the Altai–Sayan–Baikal Region

The locations of areas prone to strong earthquakes (M ≥ 6.0) in the Altai–Sayan–Baikal region are determined. Based on a scheme of morphostructural zoning of the region and by using the CORA-3 pattern recognition algorithm, all intersections of morphostructural lineaments are separated into two classes: the highly seismic intersections in the vicinities of which strong earthquakes can occur and low seismic in the vicinities of which only earthquakes with M < 6.0 are possible. Recognition was performed for the vectors the components of which were measured values of the geological–geophysical characteristics describing the respective intersection. The result obtained allows the zones of high seismic hazard to be identified more reliably in the region.

Application of geospatial technologies for multi-hazard mapping and characterization of associated risk at local scale

ABSTRACTIn this study multi-hazard risk assessment is carried out in Arithang ward, one of the major wards within Gangtok Municipal Corporation, with the objectives of (a) landslide and earthquake hazard mapping of Gangtok city with analytical hierarchy process (b) vulnerability mapping in Arithang ward and (c) semiquantitative and semiqualitative risk analysis. Landslide hazard zonation (LHZ) depicts that very high and high hazard zone occupies 6% and 17% of the Gangtok city whereas 60% and 18% of area falls under medium and low hazard category respectively. With respect to seismic hazard susceptibility 13% and 22% of area falls under very high and high category respectively. Semiquantitative risk analysis reveals that majority of the residential buildings are concentrated in low earthquake and landslide hazard zone followed by 39% and 35% within medium class. Only 0.6% and 7% of residential buildings are found in high earthquake and landslide hazard zones. Bamboo and wood made buildings are found to cluster within very high class of landslide hazard. About 61% of multistoried buildings are placed within low zone of LHZ. Risk analysis reveals that buildings at the eastern and western part of Arithang ward come under high risk with respect to earthquake and landslide.

Large-scale assessment of landslide hazard, vulnerability and risk in China

Landslides (generally including debris flows) seriously threaten life and property. Studies on landslide risk are of great significance for regional disaster prevention and mitigation. In this study, the grid of 1 km ×1 km was selected as the assessment unit to exhibit the spatial distribution of landslide risk in China. With the support of Geographic Information System (GIS) technique, the combined model of certainty factor model (CF) and logistic regression model (LR) was applied to assess the landslide hazard, Liu’s method was used to evaluate the landslide vulnerability, and the product of hazard multiplied by vulnerability was used to represent the landslide risk. The spatial patterns of the hazard, vulnerability and risk of landslides were displayed on the national scale of China. The results indicated that the high hazard zones are commonly distributed in the south of Yangtze River, especially the very high hazard zones are concentrated in the southwest of China. The high vulnerability zones are mainly distributed in the eastern coastal cities with developed economy and dense population. The distributional pattern of landslide risk is approximately divided by Heihe-Tengchong population density line. The west of the line is mainly distributed low risk areas; whereas the east of the line contains moderate and high risk areas. The classes of very low, low, moderate, high and very high risk areas account for 40.51%, 18.34%, 33.86%, 7.28% and 0.01% of the total area respectively. The macro-scale regional assessment is needed in China, which may benefit the top design of landslide risk reduction and territorial functional zoning.

Destabilization of the hard coal microstructure by a weak electric field

This study aims to analyse physical and chemical changes in hard coal samples under the influence of low-intensity electric fields in comparison to the fragments of ejected coal, as well as the coal samples selected from the zones of high and low outburst hazard. We used physical methods including X-raying, electron paramagnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, laser diffraction analysis of particle sizes, IR-spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and Raman spectroscopy. It has been shown that destruction of coal organic matter (COM) can be caused not only by mechanical impacts or thermal influences but also weak electric fields. Scientific novelty consists in the fact that for the first time we established the identity of the COM destruction mechanism of mechanical-chemical activation and weak electric fields influencing on the previously destabilized coal microstructure. The destruction mechanism is based on thermal field regularities in both cases. The results obtained are of practical significance for the technologies of coal conversion to other products. The research results can be useful in the development of methods for reducing outburst hazard in coal mines.

Understanding Disaster Risk and Mitigation Special Reference to Ratnapura District

Ratnapura district has an area of 3,275 square kilometers and a population of 1,082.3. The study area is prone to natural and manmade disasters and most of them are originated from metrological events. The main objective of this study was to understand disaster risks of the study area. The other objectives were to examining risk drivers and mitigation process of the Ratnapura district. The identification of extreme rainfall, flood gage level, disaster related deaths and damages was done based on the data collected from the Departments of Meteorology, Irrigation and Disaster Management of Sri Lanka. Disaster inventory map, disaster vulnerability map and disaster risk map were produced to understand the disaster and the risk associated with GIS technology. Gumbal and SINMAP model developed only for RMC and Elaphatha DSD. 56 present families were recorded flood affected from Ratnapura DSD during 1974 – 2017 years. Inventory map shows Elapatha, Ratnapura and Nivithigala as highly risk areas by flood. Gumbal model shows Ratnapura Municipality is 64.3 percent, and it comes under the high flood hazard zone. During the years 1974 – 2010, 45% recorded deaths by landslide in the Elapatha DSD. 5.62 % areas are unstable in the Elaphatha DSD. Vulnerability map and even more risk map will help priorities to the socio – economic planning, and mitigation process in the Ratnapura District.

Landslide hazard assessment around MCT zone in Marsyangdi River basin, west Nepal

In the hilly and mountainous terrain of Nepal, landslide is the most common natural hazard especially during prolong rainfall. Every year landslide cost lives and causes injuries. In order to address this problem, the best that can be done is to prepare the landslide hazard map of the area, apply mitigation measures and evacuate the high hazardous area, if necessary. Landslide hazard assessment is the primary tool so as to understand the nature and characteristics of the slope that are prone to failure. Logistic Regression Model is used for the preparation of landslide hazard map of the Besi Shahar-Tal area in Marsyangdi River basin in west Nepal. The causative factors such as elevation, slope, slope aspect, land use, geology, rainfall, lineament density, stream density are used. All the thematic layers of these parameters are prepared in GIS and logistic regression analysis is done by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Five different hazard zones are separated namely very low hazard zone, low hazard zone, medium hazard zone, high hazard zone and very high hazard zone. The high hazard zone is lying along the Marsyangdi River and its tributaries.

Seismic hazard assessment of Koyna region, Peninsular India: using geospatial approach

BackgroundEarthquake-prone regions from the stable continental regions (like Peninsular India) warrant total seismic hazard estimation from possible sources — reservoir induced or tectonic. The Koyna region falls in the so-called stable continental region, though previously considered as aseismic because of its location in the Peninsular India, which was argued to be the continental Shield region; however, it is seismically active ever since the December 10, 1967, strong earthquake (M6.5) which killed around 200 people and damaged properties. The event was initially attributed to reservoir-induced seismicity. The present study aims at mapping the spatial distribution of hazard intensity in terms of peak ground acceleration and damage potential expressed as Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) levels owing to the scenario earthquakes (M4.0 to M6.9) from the linear sources and background seismicity in the Koyna region. For the seismic source model, geospatial integration approach is used. To delineate the source boundaries we perform spatial analysis of seismicity attributes and assigning weights based on the geological information. In addition, spatial buffering of thematic layers of faults and lineaments is applied to truncate the spatial uncertainties. Thematic attribute layers are integrated over the SRTM-DEM-derived geomorphic features and spatial seismicity pattern to define the possible linear seismic source zones. We employ ArcGIS® to perform geospatial analysis and to integrate thematic spatial information finally to prepare the seismic hazard and damage potential zones for the Koyna region.ResultsWe present the probabilistically estimated seismic hazard and damage potential estimates for the Koyna region. Spatial mapping of the hazard parameters is performed on Geographic Information System (GIS) platform. Along with the historical and instrumental earthquake data, we incorporate updated and relocated seismic events from circa 1618 to 2017 covering ~ 400 years period, for analyzing the mean annual rates of seismicity and earthquake recurrence intervals. The anticipated recurrence intervals of earthquakes ~ M5.5 is around 100 ± 10 years. The estimated peak ground acceleration (PGA) for 10% probability being exceeded in 50 years (i.e. 500 years of return period) is greater than 21% g is anticipated for the area located (~30 km radius) between the Koyna and Warna Reservoirs.ConclusionsThe hazard estimates for the 500 years return period earthquake scenarios (M4.0 to M6.9) are based on the bedrock level estimation. Estimated PGA-values are grouped into three categories that are relatively defined as high, moderate, and low hazard zones, respectively. Slightly damaging intensity (MMI-VII level) expected in 50 years has ~ 40% probability and PGA greater than 21% g for the area which is located between Koyna and Warna Reservoirs, which is identified as high hazard zone.

SINKHOLE SUSCEPTIBILITY HAZARD ZONES USING GIS AND ANALYTICAL HIERARCHICAL PROCESS (AHP): A CASE STUDY OF KUALA LUMPUR AND AMPANG JAYA

Abstract. Sinkhole is not classified as new phenomenon in this country, especially surround Klang Valley. Since 1968, the increasing numbers of sinkhole incident have been reported in Kuala Lumpur and the vicinity areas. As the results, it poses a serious threat for human lives, assets and structure especially in the capital city of Malaysia. Therefore, a Sinkhole Hazard Model (SHM) was generated with integration of GIS framework by applying Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) technique in order to produced sinkhole susceptibility hazard map for the particular area. Five consecutive parameters for main criteria each categorized by five sub classes were selected for this research which is Lithology (LT), Groundwater Level Decline (WLD), Soil Type (ST), Land Use (LU) and Proximity to Groundwater Wells (PG). A set of relative weights were assigned to each inducing factor and computed through pairwise comparison matrix derived from expert judgment. Lithology and Groundwater Level Decline has been identified gives the highest impact to the sinkhole development. A sinkhole susceptibility hazard zones was classified into five prone areas namely very low, low, moderate, high and very high hazard. The results obtained were validated with thirty three (33) previous sinkhole inventory data. This evaluation shows that the model indicates 64 % and 21 % of the sinkhole events fall within high and very high hazard zones respectively. Based on this outcome, it clearly represents that AHP approach is useful to predict natural disaster such as sinkhole hazard.