Landslides: A Stealth Threat To The Nation
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
1334 Longworth House Office Building
2:00 - 3:00 PM
The Congressional Hazards Caucus is led by Co-Chairs: Senators Mary Landrieu, Lisa Murkowski, and Ben Nelson and Representative Zoe Lofgren
Landslides are among the most widespread geologic hazards on Earth and cause billions of dollars in damages and thousands of deaths and injuries each year around the world. In the United States, landslides threaten lives and property in every state, and 36 states have moderate to highly severe landslide hazards, yet landslide insurance is largely unavailable. In May 2011, damaging landslides were reported in California, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Landslide losses are often underreported because the damage is frequently attributed to triggering events—heavy storms, floods, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions—even though landslide losses may exceed all other disaster losses. Landslide risks may increase due to development in landslide-prone areas, expansion of transportation infrastructure, and climate change. However, landslide losses can be reduced through better understanding, mapping, assessment, monitoring, forecasting, mitigation, and emergency preparedness and response.
Agenda
Speakers:
Scott Burns, Portland State University
Susan Cannon, U.S. Geological Survey
Jeffrey R. Keaton, AMEC Environment & Infrastructure