New Zealand could see more deadly landslides as climate crisis triggers intense storms, experts warn
AI Summary
New Zealand is facing a potential increase in deadly landslides due to climate change-induced intense storms. Landslides are already the country's deadliest natural hazard, responsible for more deaths than earthquakes and volcanoes combined. Recent tropical storms in the North Island have triggered fatal landslides, including one at a holiday park in Mount Maunganui and another south of the city, prompting evacuations. Experts attribute the increased risk to a combination of New Zealand's geography, human land use changes like deforestation, and the intensifying effects of global warming on storm frequency and intensity. Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 caused approximately 800,000 landslides, highlighting the growing threat. Experts emphasize the need for better land-use planning informed by landslide susceptibility data to mitigate future risks.
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