NOVA: Killer Landslides

Explore the forces behind deadly landslides — and the danger zones for the next big one

In less than two minutes in March, a one-square-mile field of debris slammed into the Washington state community of Oso, killing 41 and destroying nearly 50 homes.

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The U.S. Coast Guard, which was activated for additional air support to Washington National Guard and civilian assets last week, surveys the progress of emergency workers along the mile-long stretch of Highway 530 affected by the landslide.

Courtesy of Army Sgt. Virginia Owens, 122D PAOC

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Ground Zero of Highway 530 landslide in Oso, Washington where the highway was covered by mudflow and destroyed houses.

Courtesy of Marla Skaglund

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Air Force Staff Sgt. Patrick McGuire, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, is knee deep in mud while trying to remove debris from where a house once stood in the hopes of finding missing persons following the Oso mudslide.

Courtesy of Spc. Matthew Sissel, 122D PAOC

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Headscarp of the Highway 530 landslide, Oso, Washington.

Courtesy of WGBH

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Highway 530 landslide, Oso, Washington.

Courtesy of WGBH

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Highway 530 landslide, Oso, Washington.

Courtesy of WGBH

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Members of the Washington Air National Guard wade through mud and debris looking for signs of missing persons. More than 70 guardsman have been activated to help with search and rescue efforts due to the mudslide Saturday in Oso.

Courtesy of Spc. Matthew Sissel, 122D PAOC

Drawing on analyses of other recent landslides around the world, geologists are investigating what triggered the deadliest U.S. landslide in decades and whether climate change is increasing the risk of similar disasters around the globe.

In "Killer Landslides," as NOVA surveys landslide danger zones, discover how and why landslides happen, and how radar monitoring technologies could help predict landslides and issue life-saving warnings.

This episode originally aired November 2014.

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