Tuesday 3 September 2013

Family of five killed by landslide in Sikkim.

A family of five were all killed by a landslide that struck their home in Tamabong village in Sikkim State, northeast India, on the evening of Sunday 1 September 2013. The incident reportedly happened following heavy rains; landslides are a common problem after severe weather events, as excess pore water pressure can overcome cohesion in soil and sediments, allowing them to flow like liquids. Approximately 90% of all landslides are caused by heavy rainfall.

The approximate location of the 1 September 2013 Tamabong Landslide. Google Maps.

The Himalayas have been suffering the heaviest Monsoon rains in eighty years, triggering widespread flooding and numerous landslides in India and neighbouring countries.


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