What caused the Vargas tragedy?
Heavy rainfall from the storm of December 14-16, 1999 triggered thousands of landslides on steep slopes of the Sierra de Avila north of Caracas, Venezuela. In addition to landslides, heavy rainfall caused flooding and massive debris flows that damaged coastal communities in the State of Vargas along the Caribbean Sea.
Where was the Vargas tragedy?
VargasVargas tragedy / LocationLa Guaira State, officially La Guaira, and known until 2019 as Vargas State is one of the 23 states of Venezuela. Wikipedia
What caused the landslide in Venezuela?
The rainfall induced thousands of debris flows and other types of landslides in the coastal mountains, and downslope, these landslides coalesced into massive debris flows that moved rapidly through steep narrow canyons and onto the alluvial fans.
What are some natural hazards in Venezuela?
Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and mudslides can happen in Venezuela. Here are a few tips on staying safe when natural hazards or disasters strike.
How many people died during the Vargas tragedy?
As much as 10% of the population of Vargas died during the event….Vargas tragedy.
| A part of Vargas state after the 1999 mudslides | |
|---|---|
| Date | 5 December 1999 – 21 December 1999 |
| Coordinates | 10°36′18.67″N 66°50′58.21″W |
| Deaths | 10,000–30,000 |
| Location of Vargas in Venezuela |
How fast is a debris flow?
35 mph
Debris flows can travel at speeds up to and exceeding 35 mph and can carry large items such as boulders, trees, and cars. If a debris flows enters a steep stream channel, they can travel for several miles, impacting areas unaware of the hazard.
What happened in the Vargas tragedy?
The Vargas tragedy was a natural disaster that occurred in Vargas State, Venezuela on 14–16 December 1999, when torrential rains caused flash floods and debris flows that killed tens of thousands of people, destroyed thousands of homes, and led to the complete collapse of the state’s infrastructure.
How long did the Vargas tragedy last?
Over the course of 10 days in December 1999, torrential rains inundated the mountainous regions of Venezuela, causing deadly mud slides that devastated the state of Vargas and other areas in the northern part of the country.
How do slumps move?
A slump is a form of mass wasting that occurs when a coherent mass of loosely consolidated materials or a rock layer moves a short distance down a slope. Movement is characterized by sliding along a concave-upward or planar surface.
How fast can a mudslide go?
Mudslides like this one are the fastest-moving type of landslide, or “mass wasting.” Mudslides can move at speeds of 80 kilometers (50 miles) per hour. A landslide is the movement of rock, earth, or debris down a sloped section of land.
What causes a landslide?
Landslides are caused by disturbances in the natural stability of a slope. They can accompany heavy rains or follow droughts, earthquakes, or volcanic eruptions. Mudslides develop when water rapidly accumulates in the ground and results in a surge of water-saturated rock, earth, and debris.
How many people died in the 1999 Vargas tragedy?
Entire towns including Cerro Grande and Carmen de Uria completely disappeared. As much as 10% of the population of Vargas died during the event….Vargas tragedy.
| A part of Vargas state after the 1999 mudslides | |
|---|---|
| Date | 5 December 1999 – 21 December 1999 |
| Coordinates | 10°36′18.67″N 66°50′58.21″W |
| Deaths | 10,000–30,000 |
What was the worst mudslide?
Famous Mudslides By Fatalities
| Rank | Mudslide Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999 Vargas Tragedy | Vargas, Venezuela |
| 2 | 1985 Armero Tragedy | Tolima, Colombia |
| 3 | 2013 India Monsoons | Uttarakhand, India |
| 4 | 2010 Gansu Mudslide | Zhouqu County, China |
Are slumps fast?
The speed of slump varies widely, ranging from meters per second, to meters per year. Sudden slumps usually occur after earthquakes or heavy continuing rains, and can stabilize within a few hours. Most slumps develop over comparatively longer periods, taking months or years to reach stability.
Is a slump fast or slow?
15.2 Classification of Mass Wasting
| Failure Type | Type of Material | Rate of Motion |
|---|---|---|
| Slump | Thick deposits (m to 10s of m) of unconsolidated sediment | Slow (cm/y to m/y) |
| Mudflow | Loose sediment with a significant component of silt and clay | Moderate to fast (cm/s to m/s) |
| Debris flow | Sand, gravel, and larger fragments | Fast (m/s) |