NASA scientists have updated the first
publicly available catalog of
global rainfall-triggered landslides.
This map shows the location of roughly 6000 landslides since 2007.
The catalog was produced from online databases
and media reports around the world.
Most landslides occur during the Northern Hemisphere summer,
coinciding with tropical cyclone and East Asian monsoon seasons.
Heavy rains can trigger landslides
by forming fast-moving flows of rock, mud and debris
that pour down hillsides creating
destruction to life, property and homes.
According to this catalog,
rainfall-triggered landslides since 2007
have killed more than 20,000 people.
This map shows the distribution of deaths worldwide.
The highest number of deaths is concentrated in parts
of Asia and Southeast Asia.
Scientists will use rainfall measurements from NASA satellites
in combination with the catalog
to improve our understanding of where and how
landslides occur.