D
isaster risk is considered
to be a function of hazard,
exposure and vulnerability,
expressed as the probability of
loss of life, injury, and destroyed
or damage d c api t al s to ck
in a given period of time. A
comprehensive risk assessment
and analysis is required for
better risk management. It must
be evaluated with reference
to a particular return period.
Maps showing the areas that
may be affected by landslides
are a common tool used by
authorities and decision makers
to interact with the public
and local community. Given
the importance of addressing
slope hazards and associated
risks in the tropics, this project
consortium was a significant
development and propose s
a sound methodological
framework and operational need
to holistically manage disaster
risks in a changing environment.
Figure 1.1: Location of the study area on index map of
One of the most critical steps
Cameron Highlands
towards landslide risk analysis
is the determination of landslide
v u l n e r a b i l i t y. Vu l n e r a b i l i t y
identifies the element at risk as well as and development of risk indices for critical
evaluates its relationships with the hazard. The infrastructure in Malaysia.
relationships relate to the potential damages a
The proposed new methodological framework
landslide could have over a specific element at for landslide vulnerability mapping was developed
risk. Vulnerability can be defined as the degree in Cameron Highlands, Pahang. The chosen areas
of loss to a given element at risk or set of covered various types of critical infrastructure or
elements at risk resulting from the occurrence elements-at-risk (i.e. buildings, transportation
of a natural phenomenon of a given magnitude networks, lifelines, es sential facilities,
and expressed on a scale from 0 (no damage) to agriculture, economic activities and ecology)
1 (total damage).
and the vulnerability of the people (fatalities or
The study objectives were to identify issues injuries). The proposed study area consisted of
related to vulnerability assessments and the risk different types of landslides at different scales.
index for critical infrastructures; to assess and These conditions allowed development of a
develop the parameters/indicators of landslide more generic approach for landslide vulnerability
vulnerability assessment and the risk index of mapping and assessment. Figure 1.1 shows the
critical infrastructures and assigning levels for location of the study area in Cameron Highlands,
each parameter. The results of this study will Pahang. The study site at Ringlet and Lembah
assist the construction industry to produce Bertam covered about 3.66 km 2 and 5.00 km 2
guidelines for landslide vulnerability assessments respectively.
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