Climate change-induced landslide vulnerability: Empirical evidence from Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, India

Landslides as dynamic geological hazard have caused socio-economic and environmental vulnerabilities at various scales. Thus, landslide vulnerability assessment is essential for understanding the implications for society and the environment. The present study attempts to examine landslide vulnerability in Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh, India. It constructed a composite landslide vulnerability index (CLVI) by integrating 57 indicators of 7 different domains (social vulnerability index, physical vulnerability index, economic vulnerability index, climate change and environmental vulnerability index, early warning system index, emergency response system, and adaptation strategies index) at the household level. CLVI serves as a most effective tool for the quantification of complex domains of disaster vulnerability and identification of thematic areas for disaster risk reduction. The data on various indicators were derived through a field survey of 450 households from 30 villages. The relationship between CLVI and its domains was ascertained using multiple linear regression. The CLVI analysis revealed that nine villages were highly vulnerable to landslides, while six villages experienced moderate vulnerability. Climate change and environmental vulnerability, physical fragility, and low adaptation strategies induced high to moderate vulnerability. The regression analysis showed that the degree of vulnerability was mostly influenced by the physical domain, followed by the economic and environmental domains. Effective policy, institutional setups, provision of landslide-resistant buildings, and livelihood diversification may enhance adaptive capacity among the communities. Thus, CLVI has not only helped in identifying thematic areas for reducing vulnerability but has also been instrumental in recognizing priority areas.