News

Expert fears further landslides in China

(21 May 2008)

Professor Dave Petley

SUMMER rains could mean more landslides in the aftermath of the earthquakes in China, says a leading hazard expert.

In his blog http://daveslandslideblog.blogspot.com/ Professor Dave Petley has posted daily updates analysing the problems surrounding the disaster zone in Beichuan, Sichuan Province, including the issue of blocked rivers and dams in the region. He says: “There is a significant risk in Sichuan that needs addressing - the landslide outlook is absolutely awful. “Given that the summer rains have not really started as yet, the problems that this area faces are all too clear.” China news agencies reported massive landslides following Monday's 7.8-magnitude earthquake that have dammed rivers and lakes in several counties of southwest China's Sichuan Province, posing threats to downstream areas. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/18/content_8200440.htm In his blog, Prof Petley closely inspects satellite images of the disaster zone, which show there are a large number of landslides in the landscape. He says these display the typical features of mass movements triggered by earthquakes, which is that they start right at the top of the slope near the ridge, then travel most or all of the way down the slope. Prof Petley, of Durham University’s new Institute of Hazard and Risk writes: “The FORMOSAT-2 (satellite) image of the Beichuan area shows that the landslides were incredibly spatially variable. “The occurrence of landslides is very high and the river is blocked in at least three places. Elsewhere, the occurrence of landslides is much lower.” In his blog, Prof Petley summarises and explains the key threats associated with landslides in the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake. These are delayed landslides from the main earthquake; landslides triggered by aftershocks; landslides triggered by rainfall; failure of landslide dams and sediment production. Prof Petley adds: “All of these issues need emergency attention. Hopefully the authorities, with help from the international community, are being able to act appropriately.” NOTE: Journalists are welcome to use attributed quotes from Prof Petley’s blog at http://daveslandslideblog.blogspot.com/