landslides News

Hundreds of Thousands Flee as Flooding in Jakarta Kills 42

At least 42 people have died from the New Year’s Day flooding in Indonesia, and hundreds of thousands were evacuated, as the greater Jakarta area suffered the most intense rain in 24 years. More than 400,000 people, mostly from Bekasi, …

Record Rain, Darkness: Seattle Braces for Floods, Mudslides

SEATTLE — Record rainfall and darkness has hit Seattle as a major storm begins to lift across western Washington on the first day of winter, though the region is still at risk for flooding, mudslides and avalanches. Friday became the …

Powerful Typhoons Scar Japanese Non-Life Insurers’ Earnings

A string of powerful typhoons that struck Japan has left scars on the country’s non-life insurers, with industry giants likely forced to pay a combined $8 billion in insurance payments in the current fiscal year that ends in March. Japan’s …

Study Examines Minnesota Landslides

A study has determined that nearly 500 landslides have happened in the Mankato, Minnesota, area in recent years. Minnesota State University Earth Science Programs Director Phillip Larson with the help of students mapped out the area’s ravines, bluffs, nooks and …

Powerful California Storm Floods Roads, Causes Mudslides

Heavy rains pounding Southern California for a second day caused flooding and loosened hillsides as officials in fire-ravaged communities warned people to stay off roads over fears of destructive mud flows. Water and debris in lanes shut down coastal U.S. …

Earthquake Models Continue to Evolve

With a focus on tectonic plate movement, induced quakes and subperils, earthquake models continue to evolve, according to Andrew O’Donnell, senior engineer at AIR Worldwide. Though earthquake modeling has been around awhile, O’Donnell said changes in the models have improved …

Flames Not the Only Risk From Wildfires

California is on fire—again. About 130,000 acres have been scorched in more than 20 major fires actively burning in the state, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. But the flames are not the only danger. Post-fire …

Madagascar Tropical Storm Displaces Thousands, Kills 14

At least 14 people were killed over the weekend when the island nation of Madagascar was battered by a tropical storm, officials said Monday. Tropical storm Chedza has displaced more than 36,000 Madagascans, said the National Office of Risk and …

Landslide Danger Remains High in Switzerland

Swiss authorities say the risk of landslides remains a danger in drenched areas with two lakes near flood levels and abundant snowfall expected in southern Switzerland. The Swiss Federal Office for the Environment is warning that water levels are climbing …

Federal Disaster Declaration Approved for Kentucky

A disaster declaration has been approved by the U.S. Small Business Administration for heavy rain and flash flooding in August that swamped roads and forced people from their homes in eastern Kentucky. The declaration opens the door for Kentucky residents …