Landslide Hazard Mapping (LHM) for the High Wavy Mountains of Megamalai Western Ghats using GIS and Normalized Weight Method

The main objective of this study is to apply and validate landslide hazard zonation (LHZ) analysis techniques using GIS and the Normalized Weight approach in the High Wavy Mountains of the Megamalai region, Western Ghats, South India. A comprehensive landslide inventory was created for the study area. A spatial database, comprising landslide occurrences and associated controlling factors, was developed from topographic maps, geological maps, and Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) remote sensing imagery. The LHZ map was generated using nine key landslide-influencing parameters: elevation (E), slope (SL), aspect (As), drainage density (DD), distance to river (DR), distance from road (Dr), annual rainfall (R), geology (G), and soil (S). The analysis classified the region into five hazard zones: Very High Hazard (8.15%), High Hazard (18.71%), Moderate Hazard (26.86%), Low Hazard (25.38%), and Very Low Hazard (19.82%). The findings also provided insights into the sustainability status of landslides in the region. The results are valuable for planners, highway authorities, and engineers in developing effective landslide early warning systems and mitigation strategies.