Even though landslides are generally not so spectacular or costly as earthquakes, major floods, hurricanes and some other natural catastrophes, they are more widespread and, over a period of years may cause more property loss than any other geologic hazard. Moreover, much of the damage and sometimes a considerable proportion of the loss of life attributed to earthquakes and intense storms is really due to landslides. In many developing regions landslides constitute a continuing and serious impact on the social and economic structure, of which the true measure is not in monetary units but rather in disruption and attendant misery of human lives.
Two huge landslides, following heavy rains, struck a mining region in southwest Yunnan province, China, in 1996. The disaster buried 23 gold pits, killing at least 79 people and leaving another 148 missing.