Landslide Hazard Zonation from a GIS Perspective and Urban Planning Solutions in Central –Division of Fiji Islands

Abstract

As is a characteristic of rainfall-induced surficial landslides, the mass movement occurred where the landform or configuration of the bedrock surface facilitated the concentration of slope water. More than half of the landslides originated in slope depressions or drainage lines, with initial failure taking place on an upper slope, ridge or summit. The present study aims at assessing the rainfall intensity, site-soil-geology and seismicity of the central division of Viti Levu, Fiji Islands using the GIS and remote sensing techniques. Rainfall intensity, Site-soilgeology, geomorphology and SRTM DEM data were the main sources of layers used to carry out such analysis using the Frequency Ratio methodology and ArcGIS Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA). The final result of Land Slide Potential Zone (LSPZ) indicates the ‘low’, ‘moderate’ and ‘high’ zones. The result presents a readable map for people to simply identify their state of vulnerability within the study area. Thus, this research will assist professionals such as urban planners, engineers and legislators to implement sustainable developments whilst reducing the risks of disasters.