Between 1950 and 2009 landslides claimed the lives of almost 18 000 people in Asia and affected approximately 5.5 million people (EM-DAT 2010). If statistics were available for landslide impacts caused by earthquakes, these numbers would be many times greater. Landslides cause social, economic and environmental damage. Forest and agricultural resources are lost; infrastructure
and heritage sites are damaged or destroyed. Landslide material can block rivers and increase downstream sedimentation, increasing the risk of floods. With predicted changes in rainfall and climate in the coming decades and intensified development in sloping areas, landslides will pose increasing risks to life and property in Asia. Read More
