From typhoon rainfall to slope failure: optimizing susceptibility models and dynamic thresholds for landslide warnings in Zixing City, China

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Authors: Weifeng Xiao, Guangchong Yao, Zhenghui Xiao, Ge Liu, Luguang Luo, Yunjiang Cao, Yin Wei
Cited by: 3
References: 51

Abstract

Typhoon-specific rainfall-induced landslides pose critical hazards in mountainous regions, yet existing warning systems inadequately capture the distinct rainfall dynamics of these extreme events. To address this limitation, we propose an integrated framework combining optimized susceptibility predictions with dynamic rainfall thresholds tailored to typhoon patterns. The approach enhances machine learning accuracy through buffer-based negative sampling and variable weighting. It also introduces a spatiotemporal rainfall analysis to distinguish between short-term intense downpours and cumulative soil saturation. Tested in Zixing City, Hunan Province, China, where over 700 landslides were triggered by Typhoon Gaemi, the framework proved effective. The support vector machine (SVM) model achieved the best performance using frequency ratio (FR) inputs with a 0.5 km buffer (F1-score: 0.859, AUC: 0.914), correctly classifying 86.4 % of landslides as high or very high susceptibility. The rainfall analysis identified 24 h intensity combined with 7 d antecedent rainfall as the optimal trigger, effectively capturing both immediate and cumulative moisture effects. Spatially, rhyolite and granite slopes and areas near roads emerged as hotspots for failure (distance

Fields of Study & Subjects

Landslides and related hazards Tropical and Extratropical Cyclones Research Disaster Management and Resilience

Publication details

Journal / source
Natural hazards and earth system sciences
Publisher
Copernicus GmbH
Volume
26
Issue
1
Pages
611–629
Publication date
29 January 2026
Language
EN