After the death of 143 people in India because of it... What are landslides and how do they occur?

Weather of Arabia - On Tuesday, India witnessed a huge landslide that caused widespread destruction and led to the death of about 143 people, while hundreds were missing. Landslides are considered among the most devastating natural disasters, which requires a deep understanding of the mechanism and factors contributing to them, and their future impacts in light of climate change and urban development.

What are landslides?

A landslide is the movement of rocks, soil, or debris down slopes. Landslides are classified based on the type of movement and materials present. Here is a simplified explanation of some terms related to landslides.

1. Collapse: The separation of material from a steep slope or cliff, often as a result of erosion or erosion.
2. Tumbling: Rotation of a mass of rock or soil forward about a pivot point below the center of gravity.
3. Slides: Downward movement of materials over a specified surface.
4. Flow: The movement of bulk materials such as mud or debris flows in a fluid-like manner.

Causes of landslides

Landslides are caused by a combination of natural processes and human activities:

1. Geological factors: Weak or fractured rock formations, steep slopes, and scars from previous collapses make areas more susceptible to collapses.
2. Hydrological factors: Heavy rain, rapid snowmelt, and changes in groundwater levels can saturate the soil, reducing its cohesion, and leading to collapses.
3. Plants: The presence or absence of plants affects the stability of slopes, as roots help bind the soil.
4. Seismic activity: Earthquakes can destabilize slopes, causing collapses.
5. Human activities: Construction, mining, and inappropriate land use can disturb the stability of slopes, increasing the risk of avalanches.

Recent landslide in India

The landslide occurred in the mountainous regions of southern India, causing significant damage and loss of life. Heavy monsoon rains were the likely cause of this disaster, in addition to the fragile geological conditions and the affected area that was under surveillance due to previous accidents and ongoing construction activities. The disaster resulted in the destruction of homes, the closure of roads, and the loss of lives. Rescue operations are currently underway, led by local authorities and a disaster response team, with the Indian government calling for a comprehensive investigation to understand the causes and take preventive measures.

At least 123 people have died and 128 have been injured following multiple landslides near Meppadi in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. pic.twitter.com/1gnWiwx8ah

— The Informant (@theinformant_x) July 30, 2024

Climate change and landslides

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall, which can lead to an increase in landslides. Understanding this link is essential to develop effective preparedness and mitigation strategies.

Good planning in mountainous areas requires adopting sustainable building practices, effective drainage systems, and planting trees to reduce the risk of landslides. Governments and city planners must incorporate these practices to protect communities.

Early warning systems

Technological advances have enabled the development of landslide early warning systems, which use live data from weather forecasts, sensors and satellite images to predict landslides and warn communities, enabling the evacuation of residents and taking preventive measures.

The landslide in India today highlights the power of natural disasters and the importance of understanding their causes. With the impacts of climate change and human activities, it is necessary to adopt sustainable practices, strengthen early warning systems, and invest in disaster preparedness to mitigate the effects of future landslides. Lessons learned from this disaster should prompt enhanced efforts to protect vulnerable communities and build resilience against such events.

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