Evaluación del riesgo de deslizamientos mediante análisis integral geoespacial en Zhindilig, Azogues-Cañar

Abstract

The community of Zhindilig, located in the Azogues canton, presents a high susceptibility to landslides, as indicated in the 2024–2027 Landslide Development and Planning Plan. These mass movement processes have significant impacts on road infrastructure, housing, and productive areas. The present study aims to assess landslide risk through a comprehensive analysis that enables the identification of critical zones and supports the proposal of appropriate mitigation measures. To achieve the objectives of the research, geophysical and geotechnical methods were applied in combination with spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The methodologies employed included Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), laboratory soil testing, and the infinite slope stability model, which together allowed for the identification of critical areas and the evaluation of their stability conditions. The results showed sectors oriented in the northeast direction with high susceptibility, which coincide with areas on the hazard map where the Factor of Safety (FS) is less than or equal to 1. It is concluded that the implementation of drainage systems, slope stabilization, and proper landuse planning are essential to reduce risk and strengthen the resilience of Zhindilig. Keywords: Landslides, GIS, ERT, slope stability, geological hazard.