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Mitigation of geological hazards

Short answer

Mitigation comprises non-structural measures like hazard mapping, early warning, building codes, and education, plus structural works. Structural measures include drainage, retaining walls and rock bolts for landslides; embankments for floods; lake lowering for GLOF; earthquake-resistant design; and grouting for subsidence.

What are the measures for mitigation of geological hazards?

Mitigation means reducing the effect and the risk of hazards. Measures are structural (engineering) and non-structural.

Non-structural

  1. Hazard and risk mapping and zoning; land-use planning to avoid dangerous areas.
  2. Monitoring and early warning: seismographs, rain and stream gauges, GLOF alarms, inclinometers.
  3. Building codes (NBC) and enforcement.
  4. Education, awareness and preparedness: drills, evacuation plans, emergency funds and insurance.
  5. Afforestation and control of deforestation and unplanned construction.

Structural

  1. Landslides: drainage, slope re-grading, retaining walls, rock bolts, shotcrete, bio-engineering.
  2. Floods and erosion: embankments, spurs, check dams, river training, reservoir storage.
  3. GLOF: lowering of lake level by drainage channels or siphon, spillways, protective dams.
  4. Earthquakes: earthquake resistant design, base isolation, retrofitting, avoiding active faults.
  5. Subsidence: grouting, controlled groundwater pumping.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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