Landslide early warning systems (LEWS)

Landslide Early Warning Systems are described in numerous articles, and research works around the world. But what actually is this (and what is it not) and what are the components of it? In order to deal with these questions, first it has to be explained what landslides are and what early warning systems are. Thus, the first part of the talk will deal with landslides in general, looking at classifications, like Cruden & Varnes (1991). Then the general description of Early Warning Systems will be discussed by looking at the definitions from the UNISDR and UNDRR and the component of people-centred early-warning systems as described during the Early-Warning Conference III (EWC III). Based on these definition and explanations, the third part of the talk will focus on landslide early warning systems. The different components of early-warning systems relevant from a landslide perspective will be described. In conclusion: - Landslide are complex natural phenomena and we do not really know when and where they will definitely occur. But, there might be indicators and the analysis of these indicators might help to identify more landslide prone areas. - Landslide Early Warning Systems, should include the same components of any Early Warning Systems, as defined by UNISDR and UNDRR. - Unfortunately many publications and research works deal just with parts of the whole chain but still call it Early Warning Systems.