Journal of Environmental Biology

Vulnerability and adaptation of urban dwellers in slope failure threats –

A preliminary observation for the Klang  Valley Region

 

Author Details

 

P. Thanapackiam

(Corresponding author)

Department of Geography, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

e-mail: tnpba@yahoo.com

Khairulmaini Osman Salleh

Department of Geography, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Fauza Ab Ghaffar

Department of Geography, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

 

Publication Data

Paper received:

25 September 2010

 

Revised received:

05 July 2011

 

Accepted:

30 July 2011

 

Abstract

This paper discusses the outcome of a research that examines the relationships between vulnerability and adaptation of urban dwellers to the slope failure threat in the Klang  Valley Region. Intense urban landuse expansions in the Klang   Valley Region have increased urban dwellers vulnerability to slope failures in recent years. The Klang Valley Region was chosen as the study area due to the increasing intensities and frequencies of slope failures threat. This paper examines urban dwellers vulnerability based on their (1) population  and demographics characteristics, (2) the state of physical structures of dwellings and (3) the situation of the immediate environment threatened by slope failures. The locations of slope failure incidents were identified, mapped and examined followed with a detailed field study to identified areas. The results identified significant relationships between vulnerability indicators and slope failures in the Klang  Valley Region. The findings of the study are envisaged to give valuable insights on addressing the threat of slope failures in the Klang  Valley Region.

 

Key words

Slope failures, Vulnerability, Adaptation, Urban dwellers, Klang  Valley Region  

 

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