Progress in Landslide Science

Natural disasters are increasing in terms of frequency, complexity, scope and destruc­tive capacity. They have been particularly severe during the last few years when the world has experienced several large-scale natural disasters: the Indian Ocean earth­quake and tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita; the Kashmir earthquake in Pakistan; floods and forest fires in Europe, India and China; and drought in Africa. Images of these events have shocked us all and will remain with us for a long time. Numerous landslides and mudflows have also occurred, causing deaths injuries and material losses. The most recent tragic ones were the large-scale landslides which struck the Philippines in 2006, hitting the Albay province on 02 December and the Leyte Is­land on 17 February respectively, resulting in terrible loss of life, suffering and damage. National authorities and the international community, of course, should continue to provide the practical support needed by the affected communities. At the same time, it is important to quickly learn appropriate lessons that may help individuals, families, communities and whole societies to be better prepared for other disasters, whether caused by natural forces or otherwise.The time has come for putting more emphasis on pre-disaster action rather than remaining content with post-disaster reaction. We must mobilize scientific knowledge and technological know-how to assess natural hazards and to strengthen disaster mitigation measures. We should promote a better understanding of natural disasters. We must promote and enforce sound scientific, engineering and construction principles. And we must promote education and public awareness about natural di­saster reduction.