A landslide is the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope under the influence of gravity. They are often triggered by factors such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, human activities like construction and deforestation, or natural erosion processes. Landslides can vary in size, speed, and the amount of material displaced, causing damage to infrastructure, property, and sometimes resulting in loss of life.

• Landslides in Goa

Why Goa is Prone to Landslides:

• Topography: The hilly terrain of the Western Ghats and certain elevated regions in Goa are vulnerable to landslides.

• Heavy Monsoon Rains: Goa experiences intense and prolonged rainfall during the monsoon season, increasing soil saturation and reducing slope stability.

• Deforestation: Clearing vegetation for construction, mining, and tourism infrastructure weakens soil cohesion.

• Unregulated Construction: Building roads, hotels, and houses on unstable slopes without proper geotechnical studies exacerbates the risk.

Mining Activities: Extensive mining has disturbed the natural geological stability in certain regions of Goa.