In April 2026, I recorded 36 fatal landslides causing 90 fatalities, the lowest monthly total for 2026 to date.
This update follows my regular tracking of global fatal landslides, with a focus on March 2026. The data aligns with the methodology outlined in Froude and Petley (2018) and Petley (2012). References are provided below—please cite these sources if using this analysis. Note that the figures are provisional and subject to revision before formal publication.
Key Figures for March 2026
- 36 fatal landslides causing 90 fatalities.
April’s figures were notably lower than in preceding months, an unusual trend for 2026. Below is the updated annual chart by month:
Cumulative Analysis by Pentads
For context, I track running totals in five-day blocks (pentads). The cumulative total to the end of Pentad 24 (covering all events through April) is shown below:
2026 Trends and Forecasts
While April’s figures were unexceptional compared to earlier months, the year remains above the long-term mean. In fact, 2026 continues to surpass even the record-breaking year of 2024.
We are now entering a critical period of heightened global landslide activity. Historically, this surge occurs in June or July, but recent years—including 2024—have seen it begin in May. The coming month will be closely monitored.
It’s important to note: pre-rainy season landslides do not predict outcomes during the peak season. Notably, the WMO forecasts a below-average summer monsoon in South Asia.
References
- Froude, M. and Petley, D.N. (2018). Global fatal landslide occurrence from 2004 to 2016. Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences, 18, 2161–2181.
- Petley, D.N. (2012). Global patterns of loss of life from landslides. Geology, 40(10), 927–930.
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Text © 2026. The authors. CC BY-NC-ND 3.0. Except where otherwise noted, images are subject to copyright. Any reuse without express permission from the copyright owner is prohibited.
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