Decoding types of landslides triggered by extreme rainfall in Vietnam
In recent years, landslides have become increasingly complex, with larger scales and wider areas of impact. Many landslide events have occurred simultaneously over extensive areas, generating hundreds or even thousands of landslide sites within just a few hours. In addition to causing direct damage, landslides can also trigger cascading hazards such as debris flows, flash floods, temporary river blockages and dam-break flash floods, significantly increasing disaster risks. In response to this situation, Doctor Pham Van Tien and the research team from the Institute of Earth Sciences, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) carried out the research project entitled "Study of Landslide Types under Extreme Rainfall Conditions in the Northern Mountainous Region and Central Vietnam" (Project Code: KHCBTĐ.02/24-25). The study focused on identifying different types of landslides and clarifying their triggering mechanisms and driving forces under conditions of extreme heavy rainfall.
The aftermath of large-scale landslides that caused major disasters in Central Vietnam (Photo from the research project's published paper)
The research team conducted more than 20 field surveys in areas affected by landslides. Many of these surveys were carried out immediately after disasters, when conditions at the sites remained unstable, soil and rock masses could still continue to move, and the researchers frequently faced hazardous situations. By analysing data from more than 20 major landslide events in Vietnam since 2009, the team identified and clarified the mechanisms of the principal types of landslides. The findings show that rock and soil slides have been the most common type occurring in recent landslide events. Based on these findings, the team proposed a landslide classification system for Vietnam aligned with international standards, providing a scientific foundation for landslide research, hazard assessment and risk zoning at the local level.
In addition to field investigations, the research team applied the LS-RAPID computer model to reconstruct the initiation and propagation of rainfall-induced landslides at Ta Mo Slope (Tuyen Quang Province) and Tra Leng (Quang Nam Province, now Da Nang City). The simulation results were consistent with field evidence and observed data, helping to clarify landslide mechanisms and enabling more accurate assessment of the impact area of debris flows. This approach opens up the possibility of forecasting future landslide scenarios, thereby improving disaster prevention and reducing losses caused by natural hazards.
Based on the identification of landslide types triggered by extreme rainfall, the research team has proposed an integrated response framework, giving priority to non-structural measures.
Further research publications in reputable scientific journals are available below:
1. Rainfall-induced catastrophic rapid and long-traveling landslide in Lang Nu hamlet: the worst natural landslide disaster in Vietnam - https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-025-02490-2
2. Machine learning-based assessment of regional-scale variation of landslide susceptibility in central Vietnam - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308494
3. Event-based mapping and spatial pattern analysis of landslides in parts of central Vietnam - https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-025-07670-w
4. Quantitative assessment of landslide hazard and risk at regional-scale: a case study from central Vietnam - https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-025-37189-3
5. Preliminary analysis of landslide-generated seismic signals: potential for real-time detection and early warning in Vietnam - http://hdgslnkhtdm.com.vn/images/hdgsln/eme-form/eme-2025.pdf
Translated by Tuyet Nhung
Link to Vietnamese version
