Today.Az » Society » Landslide activity on rise in Azerbaijan
20 February 2014 [10:54] - Today.Az


By AzerNews

Landslide zones in Azerbaijan have become more active since the snow began melting at the end of January, Sadig Amiraslanov, an official with the Azerbaijani Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, said.

"Landslide activities are observed with transition to the spring season. The process is noticed in landslide zones on southern highway Lankaran-Lerik and northern highway Guba- Khinalig," he said.

Moreover, a new landslide zone has been discovered in the Masazir settlement of Absheron region, situated not far from Baku. Man-made factor is reported to be the main cause of the landslide.

Amiraslanov further noted that more than half of the landslide activities are associated with technological and human factors.

"Most of the landslides occur on the roads (Agsu pass, Muganli-Ismayillli, Guba-Khinalig). These processes are related to human activities, and technological factors. Therefore, while laying roads the stability of the slope and the tendency to landslide processes should be considered," Amiraslanov said.

"Further spread of the landslide is not forecasted. Observations are continuing on the territory," he said.

Amiraslanov went on to note that the monitoring of landslide zones will start in Azerbaijan next week.

The ministry earlier reported on development of a map of landslide prone zones in Azerbaijan, which will include all landslide prone areas that are dangerous for construction.

Cafes and restaurants in the Agsu pass do not have their own sewage system, and the water that accumulates in the wells is absorbed by the soil, causing landslides. A similar problem occurs in the landslide hazard zones in Baku. The situation in the landslide prone zones also gets worse during heavy rains in autumn.


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