Bolderdash: Chileans Still Stuck In Peru After Landslides

Landslide Hazards Program

Landslides constitute a major geologic hazard because they are widespread, occur in all 50 states and U.S. territories, and cause $1-2 billion in damages and more than 25 fatalities on average each year. Expansion of urban and recreational developments into hillside areas leads to more people that are threatened by landslides each year. Landslides commonly occur in connection with other major natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, wildfires, and floods.

The primary objective of the National Landslide Hazards Program (LHP) is to reduce long-term losses from landslide hazards by improving our understanding of the causes of ground failure and suggesting mitigation strategies.

The LHP has operated since the mid-1970's in gathering information, conducting research, responding to emergencies and disasters, and producing scientific reports and other products for a broadly based user community including geologists and engineers in government, academia and private practice, planners and decision makers from governmental entities at all levels, and the general public.

The results of these efforts have led to significant improvements in understanding the nature and scope of ground-failure problems nationally and worldwide. Such improvements are central to the role of the program, because opportunities remain for fundamental advances in understanding that promise to save lives and dollars.

Thursday, 28 January 2010

Chileans Still Stuck In Peru After Landslides

Machu Picchu where the landslides and floods occurred.

Over 2,000 tourists — including 310 Chileans — were stuck near the Inca ruins after landslides and floods blocked all transit connecting the 7,000 ft Inca ruins with the city of Cusco. Five people were killed, including an Argentine tourist and a tour-guide. Buildings, homes and crops across the Cusco area were destroyed.

The stranded Chileans have loudly complained about the slow evacuation process, with some insinuating that Peruvian officials have discriminated against them.

Evacuations from the Aguas Calientes area adjacent to Machu Picchu area began Wednesday with Peruvian officials giving top priority to those older than 60 and children with their mothers. The evacuation fleet included seven private Peruvian helicopters and four from the US embassy. People on the private helicopters had to pay for their ride.

Travelers stranded in the isolated Machu Picchu village had limited supplies, and many had to sleep at the train station because the hotels were full.