A landslide is a natural disaster that occurs when a large amount of soil, rock, or debris suddenly moves down a slope. This can happen due to heavy rain, earthquakes, or even human activities like construction. When the ground becomes too saturated with water, it loses its stability, causing the materials above to slide down. Landslides can happen quickly and can be very dangerous, damaging homes and roads in their path.
There are different types of landslides, including rockfalls, mudslides, and debris flows. Each type varies in speed and the materials involved. For example, a mudslide consists mostly of wet soil and can travel quickly, while a rockfall involves larger rocks tumbling down a cliff. Understanding landslides helps communities