Within Australia, 114 landslides are known to have caused injury or death between 1842 - 2011. It is estimated that around 138 people have been killed as a result of these deadly slides. Many of these landslides were the result of human activity and improper maintenance of geological areas. Most landslide deaths were caused by beach sand or excavation cave-ins, this makes sense considering the sandy and sometimes silty ground that is commonly found within the outback. The estimated cost of landslide during the period 1842-2011 is approximately $82 million dollars (this is also taken in account for inflation). Landslides also caused considerable damage and disruption when they impacted or destroyed roads, railways and bridges.
Landslides within Australia especially in Queensland area (where I lived) are caused by heavy rainfall. It is highly recommended by the Australian government that before you inhibit an area that you should check the areas geographical history. Besides that there hasn't been much action in preventing landslides within vulnerable areas. The Australian government does of course try its best to educate people on the tell tale signs of a landslide and what one should do if they find themselves in such a predicament. The most highly recommended option is that you evacuate an area as fast as you can before or during the events of a landslide. If one cannot escape then it is recommend they find steady shelter and barricade affected areas with benches. tables, and mattresses.
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