PALU LANDSLIDE - GIS based Disaster Analysis
Landslides are one of the most devastating natural disasters. In September 2018, Indonesia experienced a Mw 7.8 earthquake in central Sulawesi. This earthquake led to a large tsunami that caused devastating damage to coastal cities and huge landslides in the district of Palu. This study involves a detailed post analysis of the damages as a result of the landslides in Palu City.
Satellite imagery is of paramount in studying, monitoring and predicting natural disasters. Satellite and airborne images can be utilized in advance prediction of a specific event, monitor the same or in assessment of the aftermath. The above satellite images, obtained from Digital Globe show the pre and post event of the city of Palu. The landslide area consisted largely of residential areas and spread over an area of 1.63 km2 costing property and life.
The high resolution pre and post landslide satellite imagery analysis using an ABES (Automated Built-Up Extraction System) developed by Vasundharaa Geo Technologies revealed that it completely destroyed about 758 households. Those houses still standing in between the debris probably cannot be used for dwelling.
Remote sensing and geospatial analytics play an important role in dealing with an ongoing event. It provides vital information on the spread, magnitude and direction of the event, serve as a support system to execute rescue operations.
