Landslides can occur due to various causes, but the major factors contributing to landslides include:
- Heavy Rainfall: Sustained or intense rainfall can saturate the soil, reducing its stability and triggering landslides. Rainwater percolates into the ground, increasing pore water pressure and making the soil more susceptible to sliding.
- Earthquakes: Seismic activity can shake the ground and displace soil and rock masses, leading to landslides. The vibrations from earthquakes can weaken the natural cohesion of the materials on slopes.
- Human Activities: Activities such as deforestation, construction, mining, and excavation can alter the natural landscape, removing vegetation and changing the terrain’s stability. Improper land use and construction practices can increase landslide risk.
- Geological Factors: The geological characteristics of an area, including rock type, fault lines, and soil composition, can influence landslide susceptibility. Weak or weathered geological formations are more prone to landslides.
- Climate Change: Climate-related factors, such as prolonged droughts followed by heavy rainfall, can exacerbate landslide risks by affecting soil moisture levels.
