The identification of areas that are susceptible to damage due to earthquakes is of utmost importance in tectonically active regions like Northeast India. This may provide valuable inputs for seismic hazard analysis; however, it poses significant challenges. The present study emphasized the integration of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) deformation rates with conventional geological and geophysical data to investigate earthquake damage susceptibility in the Barapani Shear Zone (BSZ) region of Northeast India. We used MintPy v1.5.1 (Miami INsar Timeseries software in PYthon) on the OpenSARLab platform to derive time series deformation using the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) technique. We integrated geology, geomorphology, gravity, magnetic field, lineament density, slope, and historical earthquake records with InSAR deformation rates to derive earthquake damage susceptibility using the weighted overlay analysis technique. InSAR time series analysis revealed distinct patterns of ground deformation across the Barapani Shear Zone, with higher rates in the northern part and lower rates in the southern part. The deformation values ranged from 6 mm/yr to about 18 mm/yr in BSZ. Earthquake damage susceptibility mapping identified areas that are prone to damage in the event of earthquakes. The analysis indicated that about 46.4%, 51.2%, and 2.4% of the area were low, medium, and high-susceptibility zones for earthquake damage zone. The InSAR velocity rates were validated with Global Positioning System (GPS) velocity in the region, which indicated a good correlation (R2 = 0.921; ANOVA p-value = 0.515). Additionally, a field survey in the region suggested evidence of intense deformation in the highly susceptible earthquake damage zone. This integrated approach enhances our scientific understanding of regional tectonic dynamics, mitigating earthquake risks and enhancing community resilience.
10 July 2025 in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Agriculture faces unprecedented challenges due to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters and extreme weather events. Agriculture sector needs resilience to support food production and livelihoods because it is susceptible to cyclones, floods, droughts, soil erosion, pests, and disease outbreaks. Geospatial technology plays a significant role in disaster management for agriculture, offering tools for preparedness, response, and recovery. This study explores the role of geospatial technology in early warning systems and risk assessment for different types of natural disasters that impact agriculture activity. Sustainable farming practices that are essential for resilience include crop diversity, climate-resilience varieties, and adaptation strategies. Capacity building and training are vital for effective geospatial technology utilization, especially in developing countries like India, where infrastructure and technology access may be limited. Tailored capacity-building programs are essential, emphasizing climate-smart practices, sustainable land management, and post-disaster recovery strategies. Access to financial services and insurance schemes enhances resilience by helping farmers cope with losses and recover from disasters. In order to improve resilience and sustainability in agriculture, geospatial decision support systems make it possible to evaluate alternative planning, optimise resource allocation, and implement adaptive management.