Risk assessment of simultaneous debris flows in mountain townships

• DOI: 10.1177/0309133313491445
• Publication Date: 2013-07-23T18:52:14Z
• Authors: Peng Cui; Qiang Zou; Ling-zhi Xiang; Chao Zeng
• Keywords: Debris flow; Vulnerability

Many mountain towns in China are located on the joint alluvial fans of multiple and adjacent past debris flows, making them vulnerable to large, multiple, simultaneous flows during heavy rainfall. Without emergency management planning, such often appearing with interconnecting chain-reaction processes, can lead extensive loss life property. In Wenchuan earthquake-affected area, disasters common. We analyzed compound effects flow events, proposed three quantitative methods risk assessment based kinetic energy, depth, inundation depth. Validated using a field study actual disasters, these analyses useful determining type, quantity, distribution, economic worth, susceptibility hazard-affected objects region. Subsequently, we established method determine vulnerability different objects, particularly concerning indexes buildings or structures. By analyzing elements underlying hazard formation conditions, damage potential, socio-economic conditions townships, systematic for analysis townships. Finally, was applied case Qingping Township, which affected by 21 triggered 50-year return period precipitation event. The superposition divided area township into zones. indicated that calculated zones coincide distribution severity event, suggests is consistent results from disaster.