Week 8: Country’s Main Mass Movements
Vietnam’s Mass Wasting Hazards and Mitigation Efforts Vietnam is particularly vulnerable to mass wasting hazards, including landslides, rockfalls, and debris flows, because of its varied geography, which includes coastal lowlands in the south and mountainous areas in the north. The country's monsoon climate, steep topography, and human activities like construction and deforestation are the main causes of these dangers. The risk of slope failures is increased during the rainy season (May to October), when excessive rainfall saturates the soil and causes mass wasting episodes. Key Factors Contributing to Mass Wasting in Vietnam Heavy Rainfall: The main cause of landslides and debris flows, particularly in hilly regions, is heavy and protracted rainfall during the monsoon season. Steep Terrain: The steep slopes of northern Vietnam, which include areas like Ha Giang, Lao Cai, and Son La, are prone to instability. Deforestation: Extensive deforestation for urbanization and agriculture r...