$1 Million USGS Investment Aims to Combat Rising Landslide Risks Nationwide

In a proactive move to combat the increasing threat of landslides, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has announced a significant investment of $1 million aimed at mitigating the impacts of these natural disasters. With landslides resulting in an estimated $1 billion in economic costs annually and becoming more frequent due to climate change, the urgency for effective solutions is evident. Landslides, which can be triggered by a variety of factors including earthquakes, storms, and wildfires, pose serious risks to both life and property. The USGS reports that landslides account for 25 to 50 fatalities each year in the United States. Comprising rocks, soil, debris, and even floodwaters, landslides can inflict catastrophic damage on infrastructure as well as the environment. According to the USGS, climate change is exacerbating the situation, leading to increased rainfall intensity and a higher likelihood of landslides. The agency notes that areas recently affected by wildfires are particularly vulnerable, as the fires can significantly alter soil composition and vegetation, making them more susceptible to landsliding. The federal funding will support projects spearheaded by local, state, tribal, and territorial governments aimed at reducing landslide risks in all 50 states and U.S. territories. This investment comes from the USGS's Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program, which is designed to enhance communication, planning, mapping, and assessment efforts related to landslide hazards. As part of this initiative, the USGS is currently seeking additional project proposals for Fiscal Year 2025 landslide risk reduction science grants, after successfully awarding grants in FY2024 to nine projects across various states including Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. One notable project funded in Utah will allocate $302,494, with half of that amount coming from the federal grant, to create a landslide inventory for mountain valleys along the Wasatch Front. This area has seen substantial urban development, increasing the risk of landslides impacting public safety and infrastructure. The Utah Geological Survey has highlighted that the state has recorded 342 landslide-related fatalities since 1850, with a significant proportion linked to snow avalanches. The need for effective mitigation measures has never been more pressing, particularly in regions with rising snowpack levels that elevate the potential for landslides in spring. The recent federal momentum in addressing landslide risks is largely attributed to the 2021 passage of the National Landslide Preparedness Act. This legislation tasks the USGS with the critical responsibility of developing a national strategy for landslide hazards, which includes maintaining a public database and expanding early warning systems for flash floods and debris flows. In collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the USGS aims to respond more swiftly to emergencies caused by landslides, offering a more robust safety net for communities at risk. FEMA has reported concerning statistics from California, where over 100 individuals have lost their lives to landslide-related debris flows in the past 25 years, illustrating the real dangers posed by these geological events. As the U.S. grapples with the implications of climate change and its impact on extreme weather patterns, the new USGS grants represent a vital opportunity for state and local governments to enhance their disaster preparedness. By investing in landslide mitigation strategies, the government is taking a significant step toward protecting lives and minimizing economic losses in the face of escalating environmental challenges.