Assessment of physical vulnerability of buildings and socio-economic vulnerability of residents to rainfall induced cut slope failures: A case study in central highlands, Sri Lanka

A significant portion, 82%, of houses in landslide-prone areas of Sri Lanka's Central Highlands exhibit moderate vulnerability to rainfall-induced cut slope failures. This study reveals that the choice to reside in such high-risk zones is influenced by diverse community priorities and highlights a strong correlation between household per capita income and education level of the household head with increased vulnerability. The research employs a novel semi-quantitative methodology combining landslide intensity and building resistance capacity, assessed through extensive fieldwork and questionnaire surveys involving 322 households in Ambagamuwa. Regression analysis further explores this relationship, providing critical insights for disaster risk reduction strategies that consider both structural resilience and socio-economic factors to mitigate risks effectively.

Subasinghe, C. N., & Kawasaki, A. (2021). Assessment of physical vulnerability of buildings and socio-economic vulnerability of residents to rainfall induced cut slope failures: A case study in central highlands, Sri Lanka. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 65, 102550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2021.102550