Question

What causes landslides in Durban(ethikwini)

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

1. Heavy rainfall: Durban experiences heavy rainfall, especially during the summer months, which can saturate the soil and increase the likelihood of landslides.

2. Steep slopes: The hilly terrain in Durban can make certain areas more prone to landslides, especially if the slopes are steep.

3. Deforestation: Clearing of trees and vegetation can weaken the soil and make it more susceptible to erosion and landslides.

4. Urbanization: Construction activities such as road building and housing developments can alter the natural landscape and increase the risk of landslides.

5. Earthquakes: Although not common in Durban, earthquakes can trigger landslides by shaking the ground and destabilizing the soil.

6. Natural erosion: The natural erosion processes, such as water runoff and wind, can slowly weaken the soil over time and increase the likelihood of landslides.