Emerging Seismicity Trends Linked to Catastrophic Landslides Behavior in Sri Lanka

Abstract

AbstractSri Lanka was historically not known to be situated in a seismic hotspot. However, in 2022, the island nation experienced seven earthquakes, and in the past few months of 2023, nine seismic tremors have occurred. This marks a significant increase as typically 2–3 seismic events were reported annually. As the seismic activity in the region gains attention, it becomes imperative to understand how these seismic trends influence the stability of fragment rock slopes and nearby deposits. This paper investigates the emerging seismicity trends on the interpretation of major landslides and understanding catastrophic landslides settings in hill country. The outcomes of this study demonstrates that seismicity around Sri Lanka cannot be no longer ignored in slopes stability and should include seismic hazards assessment. Such approach will ultimately contributing to the development of effective mitigation strategies for enhancing public safety and safeguarding critical infrastructure in seismic-prone areas.