Reviewing the magnitude of geological hazards and disaster preparedness in western Himalaya: A remote sensing and field based analysis

Abstract

This study assesses geological hazards and disaster preparedness in the Western Himalayas by integrating remote sensing data and field surveys. The primary objectives are to identify areas susceptible to landslides, earthquakes, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and to evaluate community preparedness levels. High-resolution satellite imagery from Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 was used to identify magnitude of hazards, while field surveys were conducted in Naran Valley, Pakistan, and Himachal Pradesh, India, to gather data on local preparedness practices. The study revealed that bare soil and rock areas in Naran Valley have the highest landslide susceptibility, while Zone V in Himachal Pradesh poses the highest seismic risk. Tsho Rolpa was identified as the glacial lake with highest-risk. Field surveys indicated low to medium levels of community preparedness, with significant gaps in awareness and training. The integration of remote sensing and field data provided a detailed understanding of hazard profiles and community preparedness. The findings have significant implications for disaster risk reduction, policy making, planning, and the development of effective mitigation strategies to enhance community resilience.