Article
The Socioeconomic Effects of a Landslide in Western Washington
Journal of Environmental Hazards
(2002)
Abstract
Landslides can create permanently unstable sites that cannot be repaired or developed, and as a result, can cause severe economic and social consequences for families and communities. This study examines the economic and social effects of a landslide that struck Western Washington in February 1999. Two years after the landslide, property owners completed a confidential questionnaire. Property owners experienced significant personal financial losses and received little financial assistance to recover. Most (93%) did not receive any relief from their insurance policies, and 7% received only temporary rental assistance. Participants reported a variety of monetary and personal losses that were associated with emotional distress. They also reported a variety of gains and new perspectives on life. In this paper, we consider mechanisms to reduce the economic losses of landslides as well as implications and future research directions.
Keywords
- Landslide,
- Economic consequences,
- Resource loss,
- Emotional distress,
- Psychological distress
Disciplines
Publication Date
2002
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.3763/ehaz.2002.0414
Publisher Statement
Published by Taylor & Francis Online
Citation Information
David N. Sattler, Tara J. Burke and Thomas Terich. "The Socioeconomic Effects of a Landslide in Western Washington" Journal of Environmental Hazards Vol. 4 Iss. 4 (2002) p. 129 - 136 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/david-sattler/18/