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Research Paper | Earth Science and Engineering | India | Volume 3 Issue 6, June 2014

Landslide Hazard in Mizoram: Case Study of Laipuitlang Landslide; Aizawl

Verma ^[324] | Rahul ^[229]

Abstract: The Mizoram state is located in the Northeastern India; bordered to the east by Myanmar and to the west by Bangladesh. It has an area of about 21;087 sq. km. It lies between latitudes 21?56?N and 24?31?N and longitudes 92?16?E and 93?26?E. Aizawl (92o60? E longitude and 23o58? N Latitude) the capital of Mizoram; is located in the northern part of the state. Mizoram is one of the most landslide prone zones of the country. The state suffers huge loss of life and property; due to landslides; every year. During this decade; Aizawl town has witnessed more than 300 deaths and damage of equal number of houses. May 2001 was the year of severe disasters in Mizoram State. The present case study is an attempt to evaluate the causes of the ?Laipuitlang? landslide in Aizawl Township; Mizoram that occurred on 15th May; 2013. Along with heavy loss to the more than 15 buildings; this landslide has taken 17 lives. The ?Laipuitlang? area is one of the most populated localities in the Aizawl town; the capital of Mizoram state. It is situated on the hill called ?Laipuitlang?; in the northern part of the city. The coordinates of Laipuitlang Slide; are 23o 44'41 and 92o43'16. In the case of the ?Laipuitlang? landslide; the prime cause of failure has originated due to the geological set up of the area; in combination with shear negligence of urban planning; geological site considerations and hazard estimation. The massive sandstone bed above the shale; forms the prominent lithology in the study area. The massive sandstone and shale beds are steeply dipping (around 40o-70o) from the Laipuitlang Peak; towards the Ramhlun Venglai road section. Presence of vertical joints has also played some role in destabilization. Improper drainage and sewerage system has led to large amount of water penetration in the foundation of the PWD building which was located in the Crown region. To worsen the situation; prior to the landslide; few days of high rainfall has led to the minimization of the cohesive strength in the basal part consisting of incompetent shale. The shale began to behave as loose soil after weathering. Ultimately the whole building slid down slope along with the shale foundation and buried 10 houses and a church building beneath. Unfortunately; the administrative lacunae; delayed the demolition and this sheer administrative ignorance; proved to be fatal.

Keywords: Slope Failure, Shaly foundation, Seepage, hydrological condition, Retaining capacity Weakness zones

Edition: Volume 3 Issue 6, June 2014,

Pages: 2262 - 2266

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