What caused the Vargas tragedy?
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 did the 1999 Vargas tragedy happen?
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 many people are estimated to have died in the Vargas tragedy landslide in Venezuela in 1999?
THE FUTURE Vargas, Venezuela, 1999. The landslides (mostly debris flows) and flash floods along the coastal zone of the state of Vargas and neighboring states in northern Venezuela killed an estimated 19,000 people, caused extensive property damage, and changed hillslope, stream channel, and alluvial fan morphology.
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.
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 much did the Vargas tragedy cost?
US $0.07 to $3.5 billion dollars
The disaster caused estimated damages of US $0.07 to $3.5 billion dollars.
How do you survive a debris flow?
You can’t stop or change the path of a debris flow. However, you may be able to protect your property from floodwaters or mud by use of sandbags, retaining walls or k-rails (Jersey barriers). In mud and debris flow areas, consider building channels or deflection walls to try to direct the flow around buildings.
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.
When you are caught in a landslide you should?
What To Do After a Landslide
- Stay away from the slide area.
- Listen to local radio or television stations for the latest emergency information.
- Watch for flooding, which may occur after a landslide or debris flow.
- Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area.
How fast can mudflows be?
Mudflows or debris flows composed mostly of volcanic materials on the flanks of a vol- cano are called lahars. These flows of mud, rock, and water can rush down valleys and stream channels at speeds of 20 to 40 miles per hour (32 to 64 km per hour) and can travel more than 50 miles (80 km).