The evolution of the Wanlixi landslide in Taiwan

Satellite imagery has revealed how Taiwan's Wanlixi landslide evolved before and after its collapse on June 21st. Per Eos, Planet Labs imagery shows that as far back as April, the slope showed clear signs of distress through dust generation and deformation on the western face. When the slope finally failed in June, it blocked a valley in Hualien County and created a natural dam backing up into a lake. The latest update reports that the lake is stable with clear water overflowing, and the dam structure remains largely intact despite minor erosion. Even more intriguingly, satellite images show the landslide mass has continued to creep downslope since the initial failure, which may actually be helping stabilize the natural spillway—though with typhoon season now underway in Taiwan, heavy rainfall could test that stability.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton