Notes

activity 2
Landslides are a natural occurrence that can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and human activities like mining and construction. When the soil and rocks on slopes become unstable, they can slide downhill and cause a landslide.

In mountainous areas, the slopes are steeper and more prone to landslides. That's why it's crucial to take measures to prevent them. Building homes and infrastructure on steep slopes or unstable ground should be avoided. It's also important to prevent soil erosion by avoiding deforestation and other activities that can destabilize the soil. Building retaining walls or barriers can also help to reduce the impact of landslides.

The effects of landslides can be devastating. They can cause damage to infrastructure, buildings, and homes, and can even result in loss of life. That's why it's important for people living in mountainous areas to be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions to prevent landslides from occurring.

As a Senior High School student, we can contribute by staying informed about the risks of landslides and the measures that can be taken to prevent them. By taking responsibility and making a conscious effort to prevent landslides, we can protect our communities from their devastating effects.




Activity 5
The article by Guthrie et al. titled "The 17 February 2006 rock slide-debris avalanche at Guinsaugon, Philippines: a synthesis" discusses the devastating landslide that occurred in Guinsaugon, Philippines in 2006. The landslide was triggered by heavy rainfall which destabilized the slope causing a massive collapse. The collapsed materials formed a debris avalanche that traveled downslope, engulfing the village and causing widespread destruction.

The article explains that the geology of the area, consisting of weak and highly weathered rocks, made it more prone to landslides. The steep slope, combined with heavy rainfall, contributed to the instability of the slope. Deforestation and mining were also identified as possible contributing factors that may have weakened the slope, making it more vulnerable to landslides.

As a student, I find this article to be a poignant reminder of the devastating impact that landslides can have on communities, particularly in mountainous areas. It highlights the need for us to understand the potential hazards that exist in the areas where we live and to take measures to prevent landslides from occurring.

The article also emphasizes the importance of responsible land use practices and the need to avoid activities that can destabilize slopes. Deforestation and mining can have long-term effects on the stability of slopes, making them more prone to landslides. Therefore, we should prioritize the preservation of our natural environment and take a proactive approach to land use.

In my view, the possible causes of the landslide are interconnected. The geology of the area, combined with the steep slope and heavy rainfall, made the slope inherently unstable. However, human activities like deforestation and mining may have accelerated the process by weakening the slope and making it more prone to landslides. This interplay between natural factors and human activities underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to disaster risk reduction that takes into account both natural and human-induced factors.