One of The Dangerous Disasters in Indonesia

Landslides and Mudslides

What landslides and debris flows are
Landslides occur when masses of rock, earth, or debris move down a slope. Debris flows, also known as mudslides, are a common type of fast-moving landslide that tends to flow in channels.

What causes landslides and debris flows
Landslides are caused by disturbances in the natural stability of a slope. They can accompany heavy rains or follow droughts, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions. Mudslides develop when water rapidly accumulates in the ground and results in a surge of water-saturated rock, earth, and debris. Mudslides usually start on steep slopes and can be activated by natural disasters. Areas where wildfires or human modification of the land have destroyed vegetation on slopes are particularly vulnerable to landslides during and after heavy rains.

Health threats from landslides and debris flows landslides and debris flows result in 25 to 50 deaths each year. The health hazards associated with landslides and mudflows include:

* Rapidly moving water and debris that can lead to trauma;
* Broken electrical, water, gas, and sewage lines that can result in injury or illness; and
* Disrupted roadways and railways that can endanger motorists and disrupt transport and access to health care.

What areas are at risk
Some areas are more likely to experience landslides or mudflows, including:

* Areas where wildfires or human modification of the land have destroyed vegetation;
* Areas where landslides have occurred before;
* Steep slopes and areas at the bottom of slopes or canyons;
* Slopes that have been altered for construction of buildings and roads;
* Channels along a stream or river; and
* Areas where surface runoff is directed.