Ground failures

Nature

Ground failures involving landslides, expansive soils, and subsidence are a major threat each year to man and his works.

Background

Ground failures have drawn global concern since the early 20th century, when catastrophic events such as the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake in Japan and widespread mining subsidence in Europe highlighted their devastating impacts. Subsequent advances in geotechnical engineering and remote sensing have revealed the widespread nature of ground failures, from landslides in the Himalayas to subsidence in urban centers, prompting international collaboration and research into their causes, prediction, and mitigation.

Incidence

Ground failures, including landslides, sinkholes, and ground subsidence, pose significant risks to infrastructure, human safety, and economic stability across the globe. These events are particularly prevalent in regions with unstable geology, intensive mining, or rapid urbanization, affecting millions annually. The increasing frequency and severity of ground failures are often linked to extreme weather events and human activities, making them a persistent concern for both developed and developing nations.
In February 2023, a massive landslide struck the Enga province in Papua New Guinea, burying several villages and resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives. The disaster highlighted the vulnerability of remote communities to sudden ground failures and the challenges in delivering timely emergency response.

Claim

Ground failures are a critical and often underestimated threat with devastating consequences. Ignoring this issue puts lives, infrastructure, and entire communities at risk. The catastrophic impacts of landslides, sinkholes, and subsidence demand urgent attention and action. We cannot afford complacency—proactive measures, investment in research, and robust mitigation strategies are essential. Ground failures are not just geological events; they are preventable disasters that must be treated as a top priority for public safety.

Counter-claim

Ground failures are vastly overblown as a concern. Modern engineering and technology have rendered most ground failure risks negligible. The resources spent worrying about landslides, sinkholes, or subsidence could be better used elsewhere. In reality, these events are rare and localized, affecting only a tiny fraction of the population. It’s time to stop treating ground failures as a major problem—they simply don’t warrant the attention or investment they currently receive.