The threat of landslides in the area around the recently
(2006) constructed Three Gorges Dam in China has increased over the last 6
years. The cause of this increase is the very dam itself. This is the world
largest hydroelectric dam, to give you an idea of how much water runs through
this thing. The construction of this dam brought much criticism from geologists
and environmentalists who recognized some potentially problems of this dam, one
of which being landslides. Since the dam reached its high water mark in 2010,
landslides have risen seventy percent. This growing threat of landslides has
caused the Chinese government to relocated 46,000 people, with the planning of
relocating an additional 100,000 out of this area. Hindsight is 20/20 so I
can’t criticize the Chinese government to hard over the construction of the
Three Gorges Dam. At the same time, the Chinese have made and continue to make
poor planning decisions (as well as other countries). A prime example of this comes
in the form of nuclear power. Of China’s 27 reactors, 19 of them are located in
areas at risk of tsunamis.
Landslides are unlike other natural disasters that we face
because of their uncertainty. We know that hurricanes typically occur in the months
between June and November, just like we know when the monsoon season starts in
some areas. Landslides are a different beast because there are many variables associated
with its’ prediction such as rainfall, vegetation, and elevation. In summation,
it’s extremely difficult to predict landslides and their rapid onset characteristic
make them even more dangerous. Not only are landslides dangerous events in themselves
but they can also trigger other events, like a 65-foot wave that killed a dozen
people in China. The main cause of Chinas landslides in regards to this article
are due to dam water levels raising. Another major contributors to landslides
is deforestation. Once vegetation like grasses, trees, and the like are removed
there are no roots to anchor the soil. This might be fine if nothing else
happened, but this is the real world (not to be confused with the awful MTV
series!). Over time precipitation will soak into the ground and reach the bedrock,
which from there the devastation occurs.
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/19/world/asia/landslide-peril-near-chinese-reservoir-grows-official-says.html?_r=0
