Mass Wasting Hazard
The country of Venezuela has experienced mudslides and landslides, as shown in the picture
on the right.They are most known for the disaster of the Vargas tragedy, in which constant rain, debris-flow, and flooding hazards caused the mud and landslide. The tragedy was destructive and claimed the lives of about 30,000 and many others to be displaced. Many homes and buildings were destroyed by massive boulders that were brought down by the landslides. Even more damage was added to the city due to flooding that followed the disaster.
Following the tragedy, barriers were built to prevent landslides from entering cities. They have also become aware and take precautions when there are signs of floods or landslides. They also created basins downstream in waterways that were contaminated with debris from the tragedy. In the case of building homes on unstable slopes, they must build it with lightweight materials, channeling the waters and avoiding dumps to not erode the earth. They have also started projects like the PREDECAN, in order to be informed and plan out risk management of disasters.
USGS Debris flow and flooding article
Vargas Tragedy (Emaze)
PREDECAN Project
Yes, it seems PREDECAN was also a project in Colombia for the same purpose. The European Commission funded part of it as I understand it.
ReplyDeleteI was in shock when I read that a landslide carried a large boulder down the mountain and causing more of a catastrophe. And with the things you said of the methods they use to prevent these mass wastings, are they working for Venezuela?
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