The Main Causes of Activation Two Large Landslides of the Debed River Gorge in XXI Century

Abstract

Specialists have estimated about 3000-3500 active landslides in the territory of the Republic of Armenia, which occupy 8-10% of the territory and threaten 15% of the population of the Republic of Armenia. The average annual damage to them is about $10-30 million. There are two major landslides in the 21st century, located in the Devbed river gorge, threatening the only functioning railway connecting Armenia to Georgia, one of the main highways. One of them is the landslide-collapse of Ayrum, which suddenly became active in 2011 and took the lives of 5 people and caused huge material losses. A large part of the railway was destroyed and the highway became impassable. The second landslide, which became active in 2018 was near the town of Tumanyan. Here, a huge number of stones were moved, landslide tongue was approached to the transport infrastructure, which posed a serious threat to the republic. Our on-site studies have shown that the causes of both landslides are a result of anthropogenic impact. The article suggests specific measures to prevent landslides.