THE IMPACT OF FOREST COVER AND LAND USE CHANGES ON FLOOD DISASTER IN BALING, KEDAH DISTRICT

The unregulated logging activities and uncontrolled changes in forest land use have significantly amplified the severity of natural disasters, making them even more destructive. The extensive removal of trees and clearing of land, particularly in mountainous areas, heightens the susceptibility of local communities to the effects of disasters. This study aims to analyse changes in forest land use and forest cover in Baling district, Kedah by utilising GIS technologies. Additionally, it seeks to establish a correlation between these changes and the occurrence of flood disasters in the studied area. The study was conducted utilising the approaches of content analysis and observation. The data utilised is derived from reports documenting changes in forest coverage within the Baling district, obtained through the utilisation of the Global Forest Watch application, spanning the period from 2002 to 2022. Subsequently, these data were compared with the pattern of catastrophic incidents that transpired between 2017 and 2022. The study revealed that the expansion of forest clearance, resulting from the growth of human settlements, agricultural practices, and logging activities, whether authorised or unauthorised, is progressively escalating each year. This phenomenon is contributing to the rise in the number of areas susceptible to flood disasters. It is crucial to raise awareness among citizens and communities about the potential risks of disasters resulting from changes in forest land use. Additionally, it is important to prioritise disaster preparedness measures in order to minimise the impact of damage and losses caused by such catastrophes.