What are landslides:
A landslide is the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope under the force of gravity. Landslides can move slowly (creeping over years) or very fast (rushing down in seconds). They happen naturally, but human activities can make them worse.
How are landslides caused:
Heavy Rainfall:
When it rains a lot, water seeps into the soil, filling the spaces between soil particles. This extra water makes the soil heavy and weakens its grip, causing it to slide downhill.
Earthquakes:
The shaking from an earthquake can loosen rocks and soil, breaking their bonds. On steep slopes, this sudden shaking can trigger a landslide almost instantly.
Volcanic Activity:
Erupting volcanoes can melt snow or release heavy ash. The mix of ash, mud, and water forms fast-moving landslides called lahars that rush down volcano slopes.
Slope Instability:
Natural slopes can become unstable over time due to weathering (breaking down of rocks), erosion by rivers, or loss of vegetation.
Human Activities:
Building roads, homes, or mining on steep slopes can remove the natural support for soil and rocks.
Deforestation (cutting down trees) is especially dangerous because tree roots help hold the soil together.
Poorly planned construction can cause artificial slopes to collapse.
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