Paper contribution

Disaster Risk Assessment for the City of Pirot: Potential Hazards of Rockfalls, Landslides and Erosion

Nikola Romić; Elefterija Zlatanović; Zoran Bonić; Nemanja Marinković; Branimir Stanković

Proceedings
EUROCK 2026
Pages
255-263
Submitted
6 May 2026
Accepted
15 June 2026
Published
12 August 2026

Summary

Abstract

Disaster risk assessment represents a key component of spatial development planning and population protection, particularly in areas prone to intense geodynamic processes. The city of Pirot, characterized by complex geological and geomorphological conditions, is exposed to rockfalls, landslides, and various forms of erosion. The aim of this paper is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of natural hazards related to terrain instability and to identify the most vulnerable zones within the urban and suburban areas. Through the analysis of field investigations, available geological maps, climate data, and historical records, the study defines the main factors influencing mass movement initiation and erosion intensity. The analysis carried out includes two case studies with different amounts of precipitation, given that the aforementioned processes result from increased terrain saturation. The results indicate that several locations in and around Pirot are exposed to elevated risk, especially areas with steep slopes, poorly consolidated soil masses, and pronounced anthropogenic impact. Based on the identified hazards, the paper proposes measures for prevention and mitigation, including terrain monitoring, technical stabilization of critical points, and planned land management.

Contributors

Authors

  1. Nikola Romić Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of NIš, Serbia ORCID 0000-0002-1075-2738
  2. Elefterija Zlatanović Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of NIš, Serbia ORCID 0000-0001-6783-1325
  3. Zoran Bonić Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of NIš, Serbia ORCID 0000-0002-7452-6756
  4. Nemanja Marinković Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of NIš, Serbia ORCID 0000-0001-5834-7910
  5. Branimir Stanković Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of NIš, Serbia

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References

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