Helping Prepare the Nation Against Landslide Threats

On August 26, 2026, a rock avalanche dislodged from beneath an alpine glacier in Nepal, crashing down toward the river valley below. What transpired a few minutes later was catastrophic, as the collapse eventually built into a flood of water and debris that raced downstream, burying nearly every building, road, and structure in its path. This sobering tragedy offered a poignant reminder that landscapes can shift suddenly and change communities forever. 

While events of this magnitude are rare, the United States has experienced its own landslide tragedies. 

For example, 43 people died in Washington State in 2014 when the SR530 Oso landslide crossed the North Fork Stillaguamish River and buried the community of Steelhead Haven. 

In 2017, postfire debris flows in Montecito, California, damaged over 300 homes and took the lives of 23 others. 

And even as recently as 2024, at least 31 people died after heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused landslides to sweep down valleys in North Carolina and Appalachia, devastating communities there.

Through its Landslide Hazards Program, USGS provides scientific oversight, real‑time expertise, and critical funding to help state, county, territorial, and Tribal partners better understand landslide threats. Authorized under the National Landslide Preparedness Act, USGS has awarded millions of dollars over the last three years to local governments to support landslide risk-reduction efforts.

From developing landslide inventories to advancing community preparedness initiatives, these investments build the foundation for safer communities nationwide. They support the science necessary so that residents, emergency managers, and planners have the tools and knowledge they need to anticipate danger before it strikes.

As communities face increasing pressures from extreme weather, wildfires, and development on steep terrain, preparedness becomes essential. 

Residents can take practical steps such as learning landslide warning signs, avoiding steep slopes during intense rainfall, and checking whether mapped landslide hazards intersect their neighborhoods or travel routes. These steps can help residents feel more confident navigating an ever‑changing landscape.

The USGS plays a vital role in tracking and investigating landslide occurrences throughout the country. By assessing these events and conducting in-depth research, USGS enhances the scientific understanding of landslides and their impacts. 

This work not only supports risk assessment and mitigation efforts, but also empowers communities to prepare for and respond effectively to landslide threats. Through these initiatives, USGS is committed to fostering resilience, ensuring that local governments and residents have the tools and knowledge needed to help safeguard lives and property against landslide hazards.