Dear Researchers on Landslides
On 4th January, 2010, a large rock slide (landslide) suddenly occurred on right bank of Hunza river and dammed the river.
Prior to this failure, local people of Attabad village submitted a complaint to government about the slope creeping and falling of stones.
On the basis of this local information, a field work was conducted by federal government department known as Geological Survey of Pakistan. During this field campaign, historical information about earthquake effect on this terrace slope was obtained. Anthropological effect in the form of irrigation by local people was also observed.
After having this major information by the general public participation, it may be inferred that the Citizen science is a major precursor of Attabad Landslide of Hunza area from northern Pakistan.
It is requested that researchers on landslides from all over the world may contribute by making technical comments.
Regards
Ijaz
Geologists, soil scientists and others have learned to detect indicators of instability. I mentioned some of these in our paper on Watershed Restoration after Calamity. Observant landowners and citizens can also identify some of these indicators, and bring attention to them. Irrigation as well as channel instability from both aggradation or degradation can be contributors as well as the more recognized land clearing, road construction with cut and fill slopes and associated hydrologic and slope modifications. Although various signs of instability may be present, extreme rainfall event can sometimes trigger conditions and initiate failure. Although LiDAR coverage can be very helpful in identifying areas of instability, the regular interpretation of aerial photo pairs in stereo can also be helpful, and what was often used in the past to help identify areas of instability, for further field analysis. As indicated, citizen involvement can be helpful for suggesting further analysis, or initiate safety measures or activity adjustments.
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