Unusually high level of landslides worldwide, over 1 000 fatalities so far this year
More than 1 000 people have been killed across the world so far this year as a result of an unusually high number of landslides, according to landslides expert Dr. Dave Petley, Vice-President (Research and Innovation) at the University of Sheffield, UK.
Even though the first 3 months of the year are usually the least active period, 2019 has already seen an unusual level of landsliding worldwide, with fatalities totaling over 1 000 to date, Petley said April 18.
"Significant losses have occurred in rainfall-induced events in Africa, South America, Southeast Asia and in East Asia, as well as in mining and construction induced landslides."
In his latest post, showcasing a dramatic debris video, Petley said parts of the Himalayas are suffering from unusual levels of pre-monsoon rainfall, with substantial losses from landslides and floods.
The Jammu-Srinagar highway, for example, has been blocked repeatedly over the last few weeks, and there have been several fatal landslides in Pakistan this year already.
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