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UPSC Mains 2021
General Studies Paper - 1, Topic - Indian Geography
Jan 08, 2023
1 min read
Landslides in the Himalayan region are often caused by earthquakes and tectonic activity, as well as by the rapid melting of snow and ice on steep slopes during the summer months. The Himalayas are home to some of the highest peaks in the world, and the combination of steep slopes and intense tectonic activity makes the region particularly prone to landslides. For example, the 2015 Nepal earthquake triggered numerous landslides in the Himalayas, causing widespread damage and loss of life.
In the Western Ghats, landslides are often triggered by heavy rainfall and erosion. The Western Ghats are a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India, and the region's steep slopes, unstable soils, and intense monsoon seasons make it vulnerable to landslides. These landslides can have devastating impacts on communities living in the region, as they can destroy homes, roads, and other infrastructure. For example, in August 2019, heavy rain and landslides in the Western Ghats killed over 100 people and caused widespread damage in the states of Karnataka and Kerala.
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