Foreword: special issue on Wenchuan earthquake geohazards

Excerpt

A devastating earthquake of Ms 8.0 struck Wenchuan, Sichuan, on May 12, 2008. It lasted more than 80 s. The major faults extend 300 km from southwest to northeast. Thousands of aftershocks followed; 250 were Ms 4 or greater. Numerous surface fractures, landslides, avalanches, debris flows, and dammed lakes resulted. Landslides were the most widely distributed effect and have killed 20,000 people and destroyed traffic lines and property. Loose deposits from the landslides provide materials for debris flows. Debris flows have occurred in clusters in the quake area, resulting in 100 deaths. Historic reports from other earthquake areas indicate that such disastrous effects may continue for 10–20 years after the initial event. …