Increasing Fatal Landslides in Europe

Landslides are a major hazard causing large human losses worldwide. Thus, it is crucial to 10 identify primary causes of deadly landslides and evaluate emerging landslide prediction 11 efforts and public preparedness. However, there is currently only limited data available on 12 the historical occurrence of fatal landslides. Hence, in the present study, European 13 spatiotemporal distribution of fatal landslides are presented over the last twenty years 14 (1995–2014). Spatial and temporal trends are evaluated in 476 locations. Relations between 15 fatal landslides and population density were investigated. A total of 1370 deaths are 16 recorded in this period resulting from 476 landslide events. High correlations were 17 observed between high dense areas and fatal landslides locations. Most events occurred in 18 mountainous regions. Significant increasing trends of fatal landslides are observed in 19 various countries throughout Europe. Twenty eight (28) high risk clusters and excess risk 20 locations were identified for future policy implementations. This study will contribute in 21 saving human lives from killer landslides in near future.