Short Wave Predicting Landslides: After Disaster, Alaska Town Turns To Science
Oct 3, 2022
In the wake of a tragic landslide in Sitka, Alaska, the community bands together to create an early warning system to prevent future disasters. The podcast discusses the emotional impact of the 2015 event, where three lives were lost. Experts collaborate on a landslide risk dashboard, educating residents about potential hazards. Innovative research reveals the link between heavy rainfall and landslides, showcasing how scientific data and local knowledge can enhance disaster preparedness. The story highlights resilience in the face of nature's unpredictability.
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The Kramer Avenue Landslide
- On August 18, 2015, a landslide in Sitka, Alaska, devastated the community.
- It took lives, damaged property, and left residents with a sense of precarity.
Impact of Direct Experience
- Witnessing a natural disaster firsthand is deeply impactful, even if you've learned about similar events elsewhere.
- This experience prompted the community to seek answers and preventative measures.
Sitka's Landslide Early Warning System
- Sitka's Landslide Early Warning System provides a simple way for residents to check current and forecasted risks.
- Developing the system was a complex process, involving significant time, funding, and collaboration.