Abstract The Lohar Gali Landslide is an ancient and recurrent landslide in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan activated multiple times since the 1980s, claiming numerous lives, affecting various buildings with 150 houses potentially at risk, affecting the road and agricultural land. Following the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, the frequency of displacement in the Lohar Gali Landslide increased, exacerbated by severe climatic conditions, particularly during the monsoon season. This study presents a thorough examination of the landslide's characteristics, failure mechanisms and deformation patterns to facilitate the development of effective mitigation strategies. Through comprehensive field investigations and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) surveys employing Structure from Motion (SfM) and image correlation techniques, displacement rates were monitored, and dynamic assessments were conducted. Geomorphological analyses revealed critical failure areas characterized by steep slopes and loose rock formations, which were intensified by anthropogenic activities. Geological mapping identified the prevalence of Hazara Formation slates, exhibiting complex movement. Temporal UAV surveys captured substantial Digital Surface Model (DSM) changes, highlighting significant shifts particularly along the right flank and monthly southeastward slope movements averaging 1.71 m. Surface movement analysis using Co‐registration of Optically Sensed Images and Correlation (COSI‐Corr) depicted overall displacements ranging from 0.5 to 6 m, influenced by natural and anthropogenic factors. Geomorphological characteristics show that high slope angles with uneven topographic characteristics, as well as loose rocks and anthropogenic activities, accelerate the process of displacement. This research demonstrates the value of UAV‐obtained data for detailed monitoring and illustrates the necessity to develop prevention strategies to protect infrastructures at risk from one of the most dangerous landslides, termed the Lohar Gali Landslide.
Kazmi et al. (Wed,) studied this question.