05/05/2014 - The Badakshan landslide: A forseeable tragedy?

A large landslide last week is thought to have killed over 2000 people from the village of Ab Barek in north-eastern Afghanistan. This is one of the worst landslide disasters of recent years, a timely reminder of the power of nature - and in this case, where there was clear evidence for pre-existing instability, also a reminder of the need for knowledge and education in developing communities. You can read more about the unfolding disaster, and how freely available information may help prevent future loss of life here on Kerry Leith's geohazard blog.