Assessment of the Impacts of Urbanization on Landslide Susceptibility in Hakha City, a Mountainous Region of Western Myanmar

In July 2015, more than 100 landslides caused by Cyclone Komen resulted in damage to approximately 1000 buildings in the mountainous region of Hakha City, Myanmar. This study aimed to identify potential landslide susceptibility for newly developed resettlement areas in Hakha City before and after urbanization. The study evaluated landslide susceptibility through statistical modeling and compared the level of susceptibility before and after urbanization in the region. The information value model was used to predict landslide susceptibility before and after urbanization, using 10 parameter maps as independent variables and 1 landslide inventory map as the dependent variable. Four landslide types were identified in the study area: shallow earth slide, deep slide, earth slump, and debris flow. Susceptibility analyses were conducted separately for each type to better recognize the different aspects of landslide susceptibility in planned urban areas. By comparing the results of the susceptibility index before and after urbanization, suitable urban areas with lower landslide susceptibility could be identified. The results showed that high-potential landslide susceptibility increased by 10%, 16%, and 5% after urbanization compared with before urbanization in three Town Plans, respectively. Therefore, Town Plan 3 is selected as the most suitable location for the resettlement area in terms of low risk of landslides.