Hiking Safety: Caution While Trekking: Monsoon Landslides and Remedies
Trekking routes get colorful and lush with rain during the monsoon season. The rivers fill, waterfalls burst, and mountains are concealed in mist. However, this beauty carries a great danger with it, i.e., landslides. Especially in erosional areas, which are hilly and mountainous, during heavy rainfall, the soil and rocks loosen up and the slopes are unsteady. It is important as a trekker to learn about these dangers and apply safety precautions. Risk of Landslides in Monsoon Explained Landslides are the movement of rocks, mud and other debris that fall at the downward direction of the slope due to gravity. Monsoon months bring intense and long rain, which will loosen the soil, making its hold on the underlying rock weaker. This is particularly prevalent in the Himalayas, Western Ghats and in the Northeastern states. And under these circumstances, even an insignificant turmoil — a lumbering boul, a flock of sheep, or a gaggle of trekkers — could set tongue to a slide. Warning sig...