Landslide Scenario in Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya: The Cause and Effects

Landslide occurs when the slope changes from a stable to an unstable condition. A change in the stability of a slope can be caused by a number of factors, acting together or alone. The cause of a landslide that has to do with the structural combination of rock, soil and vegetation, is the morphology. If a hillside has lost vegetation because of fire for instance, then the addition of water can cause erosion upping the chances for landslide. It’s not only rain that can cause erosion but also the flowing rivers, moving glacier and crashing ocean waves play the role. The geology or structure of the earth materials itself can also be a factor in landslide. Finally, there are human activities that can expose slope to erosion and lead to landslide. Clearing land for agriculture or constructions are some of the human causes of landslide. The District is belongs under the Khasi Hills Division. The undulating land surface, steep slope, deep valley, and many ridges are the physiographic characteristics of the region. Different types of geomorphic process are acting in the region. Unplanned construction, Jhumming practices etc. have been done by local inhabitant in the region. Monsoonal heavy rainfall is the common occurrence in the region. So, the landslide is often occurring in the different parts of the region and it affects the regional development of the study area. The district is still poor in transport and communication facilities.