Landslides Archives - Disasters News

Jan252025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Landslide Risks in La Paz: A Persistent Threat to Lives and Livelihoods

La Paz, Bolivia’s high-altitude capital city, faces significant challenges due to its susceptibility to landslides. With its steep slopes, active geological processes, and socio-economic dynamics, the city has become a hotspot for landslide disasters, endangering lives and disrupting livelihoods. A recent overview by AFP sheds light on the persistent hazards posed by landslides in La Paz. The city's terrain, coupled with socio-economic pressures, exacerbates these risks. Notably, government policies aimed at addressing housing deficits unintentionally incentivize residents to settle in high-risk areas. By granting land ownership to illegal settlers, the policy inadvertently encourages habitation in unstable and dangerous locations. History of Devastating Landslides La Paz has a lo...

Jan232025 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Landslide in Pekalongan Leaves 16 Dead, 10 Injured

Breaking News, Disasters

A devastating landslide struck Pekalongan, Central Java, Indonesia, on Tuesday, claiming 16 lives and injuring 10 others. Heavy rains triggered the disaster, with officials from the regional disaster mitigation agency confirming the tragic toll. The landslide occurred amidst relentless rainfall, severely hindering rescue operations. Local disaster official Bergas Caturasi, speaking on Kompas TV, highlighted the urgency "The search continues because we don't have much time. We're in a race with the weather." Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate individuals still missing, but ongoing rains are complicating efforts to access affected areas safely. This landslide is the latest in a series of disasters linked to extreme weather in Indonesia, a country prone to flooding and lan...

Dec302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Massive Underwater Landslide Discovered in Krishna-Godavari Basin: Potential Tsunami Threat Identified

Breaking News, Disasters, Fact Check

A massive underwater landslide in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) basin, reaching depths of 950 meters to 1.1 kilometers below the ocean surface, has raised concerns about its potential to trigger a tsunami and disrupt critical infrastructure. The discovery was announced by the Goa-based National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), which described the landslide as one of the largest ever recorded in this part of the Bay of Bengal. The landslide, which could have occurred between 2009 and 2015, displaced an estimated 11 cubic kilometers of sediment—enough to fill around 44 lakh Olympic-sized swimming pools. At some points, sediment deposits from the landslide are as thick as 60 meters, covering an area of approximately 70 square kilometers, equivalent to 10,000 football fields. “The enormous d...

Aug162024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Kodagu’s Struggle: Balancing Development and Environmental Protection Amidst Landslide Threats

Breaking News, Disasters

The recent tragedy in Wayanad has reignited painful memories for the residents of Kodagu, who experienced devastating landslides in 2018. That disaster claimed 20 lives, destroyed over 4,000 homes, and displaced 18,000 people, marking the first major landslide-related calamity in Karnataka. Despite the passage of time, Kodagu continues to grapple with landslides, deforestation, and encroachment, which threaten the district's fragile environment and the lives of its residents. In response to the Wayanad disaster, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducted a study that identified 104 disaster-prone areas in Kodagu. The government has since relocated 313 families to safer zones and established 10 relief centres, with plans for 95 more. However, these measures are seen as a temporary fi...

Jul312024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Wayanad Landslides Scientists Point to Climate Change, Excessive Mining, and Deforestation as Key Factors

Breaking News, Disasters

The devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, which resulted in over 147 deaths and 128 injuries, are being attributed by scientists to a combination of climate change, excessive mining, and the loss of forest cover in the region. The catastrophic event, triggered by heavy rains, has left many still feared trapped under debris, with the Met Office warning of more rainfall in the coming days. Climate Change and Extreme Weather Patterns Heavy rain on Tuesday initiated the landslides in Wayanad district. According to S. Abhilash, director of the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), the warming of the Arabian Sea is a significant factor contributing to the extreme and unpredictable rainfall patterns in Kerala. "Our resear...

Jul242024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Death Toll in Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 229 Search for Survivors Continues

Breaking News, Disasters

The death toll from two devastating landslides in southern Ethiopia has surged to 229, with the number expected to rise further as rescue efforts continue, a government official reported on Tuesday. Triggered by heavy rainfall, the first landslide occurred in the Gofa zone of Southern Ethiopia's regional state on Sunday night, burying numerous residents. A second landslide struck on Monday morning, engulfing many who had gathered to assist in rescue operations. "I don't know when it will stop. We are still recovering bodies," said Markos Melese, head of the National Disaster Response agency in Gofa Zone, in a phone interview with Reuters. "We are still digging." Initially, officials reported at least 50 fatalities, including children and police officers. However, the toll has esca...

Apr302024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Heavy Rains and Snowfall Trigger Landslides and Flash Floods in Jammu and Kashmir

Breaking News, Disasters

In Jammu and Kashmir, relentless rains and snowfall have unleashed havoc, causing landslides and flash floods across several regions, leading to significant damage to public infrastructure and private property. The Srinagar-Jammu national highway, a crucial lifeline connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country, has been forced to shut down due to multiple landslides, leaving a multitude of vehicles stranded along its route. Video footage captured the terrifying sight of rocks and debris cascading down mountainsides, crashing onto the highway below. Landslides at Mehar, Gangroo, Mom Passi, and Kishtwari Pather in Ramban district have effectively blocked the highway, disrupting essential transportation services. With rains persisting in the region, authorities are facing challenges ...

Jan52024 by Editor DeskNo Comments

Groundbreaking Effort: IIT Delhi Researchers Develop India’s First High Resolution Landslide Risk Map

Breaking News, Disasters, Idea & Innovations

In a pioneering effort, researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have successfully developed the first-of-its-kind national landslide risk map. The lack of a comprehensive map has been a significant challenge, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters. The map, which is set to be published in the February 2024 issue of the journal Catena, aims to revolutionize disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies across the country. Unique Challenge: Landslides in India Landslides pose a unique and deadly challenge in India, affecting localized areas and making them harder to track and study with traditional methods such as satellite imaging. Unlike floods, landslides occur in approximately 1-2% of the country, making data collection more challenging due to thei...