Reasons for the Increase in Landslides in the Present Time.
Landslides are the sudden movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope. In recent decades, the frequency and intensity of landslides have been rising in many parts of the world. This increase is due to a combination of natural processes and human activities that have altered the stability of slopes.
1. Climate Change and Extreme Weather
One of the most significant modern factors behind increased landslides is climate change. Rising global temperatures have changed rainfall patterns, leading to more frequent and intense downpours. Heavy rainfall quickly saturates the soil, reducing its cohesion and making slopes unstable. Additionally, in mountainous and colder regions, warmer temperatures cause rapid snowmelt, which further adds water to the soil and triggers landslides.
2. Deforestation and Land Degradation.
Forests play a crucial role in stabilizing slopes. Tree roots bind soil particles together, preventing erosion. When forests are cut down for agriculture, logging, or urban expansion, this natural protection is lost. Without vegetation cover, rainwater penetrates the soil more easily, loosening it and increasing the likelihood of slope failure.
3. Unplanned Urbanization and Infrastructure Development
The rapid growth of cities, especially in hilly areas, has contributed significantly to landslide hazards. Buildings, roads, and other infrastructure constructed without proper engineering disturb the natural balance of slopes. The weight of new structures, combined with the removal of slope material during construction, can create instability. Drainage problems caused by poorly planned settlements also lead to water accumulation, further weakening the soil.
4. Mining and Quarrying
Mining operations, including open-pit mining and quarrying, often involve removing large amounts of earth and rock. This changes the natural slope angle and removes supporting material, making landslides more likely. Explosives used in mining can also trigger small tremors that destabilize slopes.
5. Road Construction in Mountainous Areas
Road building often requires cutting into steep hillsides. If proper retaining walls and drainage systems are not installed, the exposed slopes become highly vulnerable to erosion and landslides. Many landslides in developing countries occur along poorly engineered roads.
6. Earthquakes and Seismic Activity
Earthquakes are natural triggers of landslides. Even small tremors can dislodge loose soil or rocks, especially in areas already weakened by human activity or heavy rainfall. In seismically active regions like Nepal, Japan, and parts of South America, earthquakes combined with monsoon rains can cause devastating landslides.
7. Poor Land-Use Practices
Agricultural activities such as overgrazing, slash-and-burn farming, and terracing without proper planning degrade the soil structure. Over time, this makes slopes less stable and more susceptible to collapse.
The increase in landslides today is the result of both environmental changes and human negligence. While natural processes like heavy rainfall and earthquakes will always pose risks, human activities such as deforestation, unplanned construction, and mining have greatly intensified the problem. Addressing this issue requires strict enforcement of environmental regulations, proper land-use planning, sustainable infrastructure development, and large-scale reforestation efforts. With careful management, the risk of landslides can be reduced, even in the face of changing climate patterns.
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