Shifting grounds: Exploring the physical and psychosocial impact of landslides

Abstract

Landslides, as recurring natural disasters, pose significant threats to societies, economies, and public health, often triggering a chain of secondary impacts. While the physical damage and loss of life caused by landslides are well-documented, the mental health consequences for survivors remain inadequately studied. This manuscript seeks to address this gap by exploring the psychological and emotional well-being of individuals affected by landslides. Through an in-depth examination of landslide events and their aftermath, the paper provides a comprehensive overview of major historical landslides, followed by case studies that illustrate the psychosocial effects experienced by survivors, including the trauma of displacement and evacuation. The analysis underscores the importance of recognizing mental health challenges in the wake of such disasters and highlights the need for tailored psychosocial interventions to aid in recovery. By emphasizing the long-term psychological impacts of landslides, this work advocates for the integration of mental health support systems into disaster response strategies, offering key insights for improving survivor care and resilience.