Document Type : applied research
Authors
1
PhD Student, Department of Geomorphology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2
M.A, Department of Geography, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
3
M. A, Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract
Earthquakes and landslides are among the most significant natural hazards worldwide, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, the environment, and human communities each year. Northern regions of Khuzestan Province are among the areas exposed to these hazards. Given the importance of the issue, this study aims to identify vulnerable areas to landslides and earthquakes in the counties of Izeh and Andika in Khuzestan Province. The main data sources used in this research include CHIRPS and MODIS satellite imagery, the 30-meter SRTM digital elevation model, and the 1:100,000 geological digital map of the region. The main tools employed were Google Earth Engine, ArcGIS, and IDRISI. In this study, a hybrid model combining the Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) and relative weight coefficients was used to assess the vulnerability of the villages in the region to landslides and earthquakes. According to the results, 85.3% of the villages in the area have a high vulnerability to earthquakes, and 9.7% to landslides. Additionally, about 9% of the villages are simultaneously threatened by both hazards. This highlights the urgent need for special attention to rural infrastructure and risk-based planning in these areas. The findings also indicate that Andika County has a higher density of villages vulnerable to both hazards. Based on the obtained results, it is recommended that comprehensive measures be taken to reduce vulnerability in the counties of Izeh and Andika, including the reinforcement of rural buildings using government facilities and public participation, the development and deployment of early warning systems, and the training of local residents in preparedness and crisis management.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)