Prem Prasad Paudel

Landslide damage and disaster management system in Nepal

Nepal is located in mountainous terrain in the Himalayan arc, where landslides are common and are the main cause of natural hazards. On 23 July 2002, daily rainfall of 300mm triggered a landslide of 9,000m3 at head valley of 39o, which has quaternary unconsolidated gravel rock base coated with thin soil, tree species and shrubs. The landslide changed into debris flow and to flash flood. The average velocity was 30m/sec. and the equivalent friction angle of the materials was 28o. A total of 16 people lost their lives in Matatirtha village, near to Kathmandu city and millions of properties were damaged. To minimize the disaster, warning system development of standards such as promotion of education level to people and preparation of hazard mapping are suggested.