Land and Mud Slide: Consequences

Landslides happen all around the world as a widespread phenomenon. Globally, landslides cause billions of dollars in damage and kill thousands of people a year through direct impact and resulting health hazards. In the United States alone, they cause US$2 billion in damages and up to 50 deaths every year.

Landslides are a serious geologic hazard common to almost every state in the United States. It is estimated that nationally they cause up to $2 billion in damages and from 25 to 50 deaths annually.

Mudslides are notorious for their avalanche speed and strike with little or no warning. These mudflows travel down slopes or through channels often several miles from the source and becomes more powerful and dangerous as they picks up trees, car, and other debris along the way. This movement of debris often blocks bridges and tributaries resulting in destructive floods.

Landslides and mudflows create serious health threats. For example, the rapidly moving water and debris often lead to trauma. Injuries and illnesses also result from broken electrical, water, gas, and sewage lines. Finally, as with most destructive natural disasters, damage to infrastructures like roadways and railways endanger citizens and block access to vital health care and rescue operations.

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