Integrated Remote Sensing Approach for Multi-Hazard Zonation in Rishiganga-Dhauliganga Valley, Uttarakhand, India

Multi-hazard studies in the Himalayas are crucial due to the region’s vulnerability to a range of natural hazards that often interact in complex and dynamic ways. These studies emphasize the need for integrated risk management, early warning systems, and adaptation strategies to cope with the combined impacts of these hazards. With the increasing impacts of climate change and rapid urbanization, these risks are expected to intensify, making ongoing research and proactive planning essential for ensuring the resilience of Himalayan communities. The present study focuses on a region located in the higher Himalayas, characterized by a complex morphometric setup and landforms, produced by the interplay of both glacial and fluvial geomorphic processes within an active Fold-Thrust-Belt. In this study, multisensor and temporal earth observation data, along with advanced remote sensing and GIS techniques, were used for a macro-scale multi-hazards zonation study encompassing snow avalanche, landslide, and earthquake disasters. The snow avalanche susceptibility map is derived through the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), while the landslide susceptibility has been prepared using the Weighted Multiclass Index Overlay method. The seismic hazard map has also been derived through AHP. The resulting integrated multi-hazard map, which overlays the individual hazard levels, indicates that 16% of the study area falls within a low hazard zone. Hazard-specific zones cover 17% for earthquakes, 17% for avalanches, and 24% for landslides. Notably, approximately 46% of the study area is exposed to multiple hazard types. The findings of this study, combined with multi-hazard susceptibility modelling in such remote and challenging terrain, will serve as crucial inputs for stakeholders to develop effective mitigation strategies, implement early warning systems, and guide land use planning in response to multi-hazard scenarios.