Is Landslide a Hydrometeorological Hazard? A Deeper Understanding of Landslides

Extreme weather phenomena can trigger serious natural disasters. These disasters are categorized as hydrometeorological hazards. One of the natural disasters that typically occurs after an extreme weather phenomenon is landslides. Is landslide a hydrometeorological hazard?

A landslide is most likely to be caused by prolonged torrential rains. However, strong earthquakes and volcanic eruptions may also trigger landslides or avalanches. This fact prompts people to wonder whether landslides are hydrometeorological hazards.

Is Landslide a Hydrometeorological Hazard?

Hydrometeorological hazards are phenomena of hydrological, oceanographic, or atmospheric nature that may cause fatalities, casualties, infrastructure damage, and economic losses. These hazards are classified into two groups: dry and wet hydrometeorological disasters.

The former includes droughts and heatwaves. Meanwhile, the latter is related to extreme wet weather. Examples of wet hydrometeorological hazards are floods, storm surges, and tropical cyclones. Then, is landslide a hydrometeorological hazard? 

Most scientists believe landslides cannot be directly classified as a hydrometeorological disaster. They consider this natural disaster as a geological hazard that is triggered by various factors, including hydrometeorological hazards, i.e.,  rainfall and extreme wet weather. 

More About Landslides

Landslides are downslope movements of the earth materials, including soil, rocks, and debris. These natural hazards are difficult to predict because they happen suddenly without warning. 

However, some landslides occur slowly over a period of time. These slow-developing hazards will show specific signs. Therefore, people in the affected areas can avoid these hazards after recognizing those signs.

1. Signs of Landslides

Sometimes, downslope movements give several signs before they occur. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of these signs. Moreover, these signs may be located in hidden areas. Below are signs of landslides.

• Cracks on the Walls: People may find cracks on the walls a few days or hours before the sloping land slides down. They may also notice sticking windows and separation of structures from their foundation.

• Deformation on the Ground: Small-scale land movement often causes deformation on the ground, including cracks and bulges. Therefore, people must report to the authorities if they find new cracks or bulges on sloping areas.

• Leaning Utility Poles: The downslope movement can cause leaning utility poles, tilting trees, and disfigured fences. The leaning poles are also signified with taut or loose utility lines.

• Unusual Sounds: Landslide witnesses said that there were unusual sounds before the land moved. These sounds are similar to loud rumbles, knocking boulders, or breaking wood. 

2. The Causes of Landslides

Some sloping areas are more prone to landslides than others because they come with specific characteristics. Moreover, some external factors can trigger this disaster. Below are the causes of landslides.

• Types of Soil: Slopes with specific soil types, such as clay soils and sandy silty soils,  are more prone to landslides. Some soils let water pass through easily, while others don’t. Thus, they are unstable during torrential rains or snow melts.

• Sloping Degree: Steep slopes are also prone to landslides. The earth materials on those slopes are unstable because they are more exposed to gravity. 

• Prolonged Heavy Rains: Heavy rain is a common trigger for landslides. This is because rainwater increases soil weight and hydrostatic pressure.

• Earthquakes and Volcanic Activities: The shaking of earthquakes or volcanic eruptions is strong enough to make slopes unstable. Thus, they can trigger landslides.

• Urban Development: Urban development typically leads to deforestation and increases the weight of the slopes. Thus, these slopes are vulnerable to landslides.

3. How Damaging Are Landslides?

Landslides can be extremely damaging. The earth materials from the landslide can cover villages several meters deep, kill many people, and damage many houses. Moreover, it can cut main roads, leading to village isolation. This hazard also affects the wildlife in the affected areas.

Latest Landslides in the News

Recently, tropical cyclones hit Southeast Asian countries and some regions in South Asia. This phenomenon brought torrential rains that lasted for days. Consequently, landslides occurred in some countries. One of the most damaging landslides was in Indonesia. 

A landslide has occurred in Sumatra Island, Indonesia, at the end of November 2025. This hazard affected several districts in 3 provinces, i.e., Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. According to the report, over 500 people are missing, and more than 800 people died in this disaster. 

This hazard also damaged thousands of houses and infrastructures. Moreover, millions of people were 

affected by this disaster. Currently, the government is trying its best to conduct disaster response and recovery measures.

Is landslide a hydrometeorological hazard? No, it is not. However, many sloping areas are prone to this hazard in the rainy season. Therefore, governments may broadcast landslide warnings during heavy rains. To broadcast these warnings, governments must use the best cell broadcasters from smsbroadcaster.com.