Abstract:
Landslides pose a serious threat to landslides are caused by a number of geophysical
and human factors in mountain areas with steep slopes. This paper presents an analysis of
some of the factors affecting landslides in the Matara district. Considering the high degree
of vulnerability, Pasgoda and Kotapola Divisional Secretariat Divisions have been chosen
as the field setting for this particular study. Landslides which are distributed among two
selected Divisional Secretariat Divisions have been studied adopting observation method.
An observation checklist has been applied in order to collect data on geology,
geomorphology, lithology, thickness of debris layer and its composition, degree of slope
drinange system, type of natural vegetation, landuse and other human activities. Monthly
rainfall data have been analyzed to identify the relationship between the occurrence of
landslides and rainfall intensity.
The observations and analysis reveal that combination of a number of factors is
responsible for the vulnerability of landslides in Matara District. Slopes which measured
16-30 degree are liable to trigger off in many areas. A significant relationship between
intensity of rainfall and occurrence of landslides is observed in the area. Also, human
activities such as slope cutting and unsuitable landuse practices attribute to trigger off
many slopes in Matara district.
