Natural disasters highlight growing flood and landslide risks

Recent natural disasters have highlighted growing challenges in disaster prevention. In the border region between Nepal and China, a massive landslide occurred due to a glacier collapse. The impact of the falling glacier likely pulverized the ice into water, which then swept up rocks and sediment, potentially creating a temporary dam that burst and caused a sudden surge.

In Japan, concerns are rising regarding specific high-risk areas. In Hidaka River Town, residents are worried about a narrow section of the Hidaka River near the former Nakatsu and Miyama villages. A steep cliff on the opposite side of the prefectural road poses a risk; a landslide triggered by heavy rain or an earthquake could create a damming effect, leading to a catastrophic debris flow. As the 15th anniversary of the Kii Peninsula floods approaches, experts emphasize the need for investigations and cliff excavation to prepare for worst-case scenarios.