Landslide Hazard in Chin State: A Case Study in Hakka and Its Environs

Abstract

Myanmar has experienced many types of geologic hazards such as earthquakes and landslides and to a lesser extent subsidence. Geomorphologically, Myanmar has two mountainous provinces: the Western Ranges and the Eastern Highlands. The steep slopes, unstable geologic conditions and heavy monsoon rains combine to make the mountainous areas the most landslide-prone areas in Myanmar. The study area, Hakha and its environs, is situated in Chin State, occupying a part of the Western Ranges. Chin State has also suffered many types of landslide incidents every year. More recently, there has been an increase in human settlement as a result of rapid population growth. Consequently, natural and man-made disasters are on the increase and affect people more than before. The most devastating landslide event took place in July 2015 due to the impact of Cyclone Koman. Various types of landslide and road slide, their extent and incidence areas which occur in Chin State are described in this chapter. According to the field observation, the landslide zonation map of Hakha and connecting road to Flam were prepared aiming at the resettlement of people who have been affected by these events. According to the classified zonation, this chapter discusses methods of treatment and the mitigation approach for people living in the landslide-prone area in Chin State.