Landslides are more widespread than any other geological event, and can occur anywhere in the world. They occur when large masses of soil, rocks or debris move down a slope due to a natural phenomenon or human activity. Mudslides or debris flows are also a common type of fast-moving landslide. Landslides can accompany heavy rains or follow droughts, earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. Areas ...
In the third week of September, Nepal experienced heavy and continuous rainfall, which caused widespread destruction across 21 districts, with seven being severely affected. Over 50 health facilities sustained damage. The relentless downpours led to severe flooding, landslides and road blockages, disrupting transportation, livelihoods and public safety on a large scale.
Sri Lanka is experiencing torrential rainfall, severe flooding and landslides as the northeast monsoon intensifies, worsened by the impact of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah which made landfall on the island’s eastern coast early morning on 28 November 2025. Cyclone Ditwah has resulted in a devastating nationwide emergency in Sri Lanka, affecting more than 1.4 million people from over 407,594 families ...
Tsunamis are giant waves that are produced when a large volume of water is displaced in an ocean or large lake by an earthquake, volcanic eruption, underwater landslide or meteorite. Between 1998-2017, tsunamis caused more than 250 000 deaths [KC1] globally, including more than 227 000 deaths due to the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004.
Risk assessment and priority interventions Overview Natural disasters are catastrophic events with atmospheric, geologic and hydrologic origins. They include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, tsunamis, floods and drought. Natural disasters can have rapid or slow onset, and serious health, social and economic consequences. During the past two decades, natural disasters have killed ...