Natural Disaster: Landslides — Passage and Quiz

Landslides occur when masses of rock, earth, or debris move down a slope. They can be caused by many factors, including earthquakes, volcanic activity, changes in water levels, stream erosion, or human activities like construction. Some landslides move slowly over time, while others can happen suddenly and without warning.

The speed and size of landslides make them very dangerous. They can bury or crush anything in their path, including buildings, roads, and vehicles. Landslides can also block rivers, causing flooding, or create lakes that may later burst.

Areas with steep slopes, loose soil, and high rainfall are more prone to landslides. Human activities like cutting into hillsides for roads or removing vegetation can increase the risk. Climate change, which is causing more extreme weather events, may also lead to more frequent landslides in some areas.

To reduce landslide risks, experts may use methods like building retaining walls, improving drainage, or planting vegetation to stabilize slopes. In high-risk areas, monitoring systems can detect early signs of land movement, allowing for warnings to be issued.