Landslides susceptibility mapping using Geographic Information System (GIS) in Kuala Balah, Jeli, Kelantan

Abstract

A landslide is a natural occurrence that frequently results in the loss of property and life of those who live in the surrounding area. This study aims to produce a landslide susceptibility map by using Geographical Information System (GIS) approach in Kuala Balah, Jeli, Kelantan. Additionally, the geomorphology of this study area is hilly and mountainous, with several steep slopes that exposes citizens to the risk of landslides. In order to produce the landslide susceptibility map, six (6) parameters were applied such as lineament density, drainage density, slope, aspect, lithology and land use. These parameters were used to produce the thematic maps and weightage has been assigned to these thematic maps of parameters. Then, these thematic maps were reclassified and overlayed using the Weighted Overlay Method (WOM) in ArcGIS software. As a result, the study area is categorized into three landslide susceptibility zones: low, moderate, and high susceptibility zones. 5% of the study area is subject to low susceptibility to landslide, 71% of the study area is subject to moderate susceptibility to landslide, and 24% of the study area is subject to high susceptibility to landslide. Low susceptibility areas are primarily found on low land close to the town, such as Kampong Rawa, SMK Kuala Balah, and Tok Batin Forest Camp, meanwhile moderate susceptibility areas are located on valleys and low land and eventually high susceptibility areas are located on hilly and mountainous terrain area.