Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2023-20
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2023-20
20 Feb 2023
 | 20 Feb 2023
Status: this discussion paper is a preprint. It has been under review for the journal Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences (NHESS). The manuscript was not accepted for further review after discussion.

An integrated, replicable Landslide Early Warning System for informal settlements – case study in Medellín, Colombia

Moritz Gamperl, John Singer, Carolina Garcia-Londoño, Lisa Seiler, Julian Castañeda, David Cerón-Hernandez, and Kurosch Thuro

Abstract. Due to climate change and growing urbanization, fatalities from landslides are rising worldwide, and thus solutions for people at risk are needed. This is especially the case for the Andean cities which are often expanding into the steep slopes surrounding them. In Medellín, Colombia, a combination of landslide-prone dunite rock and steep slopes in the east of the city creates a high-hazard scenario for about 87,000 residents, most of whom live in informal settlements. We developed a landslide early warning system (LEWS) which can be applied in such semi-urban situations. The LEWS consists mainly of a measurement system of horizontal and vertical sensor lines across the slope and autonomous point-sensors in between these lines. All parts of the LEWS, from hazard assessment to the monitoring system and the reaction capacity, are supported by extensive activities together with the local community to gain trust and create synergies. This also includes local authorities, agencies and NGO's. To test such a system, a prototype has been installed in a neighborhood in Medellín in 2020–2022. The experiences of this installation resulted in a framework for LEWS's of this kind which we have compiled on a wiki-page to facilitate replication by people in other parts of the world. Hopefully, this can stimulate a lively exchange between researchers and other stakeholders who want to use, modify and replicate our system.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
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We developed a system which can help improve the resilience of informal settlements in...
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