Building sustainable and resilient communities with landslide early warning systems: A review of best practices
Authors:   Vellore  Institute of Technology, GANAPATHY Ganapathy , NATH Aditi ,   Assam University, ZAALISHVILI Vladislav ,   Geophysical Institute – the Affiliate of  Vladikavkaz Scientific Center of the  Russian Academy of Sciences, BURDZIEVA Olga ,   Geophysical Institute – the Affiliate of  Vladikavkaz Scientific Center of the  Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: March 2024

Introduction. Landslides are an important natural phenomenon that can have significant impacts on human communities and the environment. They can cause property damage, injury, and loss of life, making it crucial to understand their potential hazards. Materials and Methods. In this study, a systematic search was performed on Scopus database to collect relevant literature on community-based landslide early warning systems from global sources. The search utilized various keywords, including “Integrated early warning system,” “landslide early warning systems,” “community-based early warning systems,” “people-centered early warning systems,” and “resilient early warning systems.” Additionally, the snowballing technique was employed to identify further literature from the reference lists of the initial papers obtained through the initial search. Results. Totally, 157 articles, including journal publications, manuals, guidelines, books, and early warning systems, were reviewed. To enhance the discussion and comprehension of integrated early warning systems, literature without a community-based aspect was also examined. The literature was categorized into different sections such as the significance of landslide early warning systems, definitions for community-based early warning systems, and community-based landslide early warning systems for various regions worldwide, such as Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America. The primary aim was to explore the utilization of community-based early warning systems by various stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, and non-governmental organizations. Additionally, the literature on community-based landslide early warning systems was analyzed to identify methodologies used in designing the systems, which could be adapted to develop different technologies and methodologies in different regions of the world. Discussion. The given region-wise studies highlight the development and implementation of community-based landslide early warning systems (CBLEWS) in different parts of the world. These studies emphasize the importance of community involvement in the identification and management of landslide risks and the development and implementation of early warning systems. The papers present case studies that demonstrate the successful implementation of CBLEWS and its effectiveness in reducing the risk of landslides. Conclusion. The present paper emphasizes the importance of community engagement in the development and implementation of landslide early warning systems. Best practices in the establishment of such systems were reviewed, and community-based approaches were highlighted as crucial for disaster risk reduction efforts. It stresses the potential of early warning systems to prevent loss of life and property damage, promoting the creation of sustainable and resilient communities. Resume. While landslides pose a significant threat, particularly in resource-limited developing communities, Community-Based Landslide Early Warning Systems (CBLEWS) have emerged as a promising solution. This review highlights the effectiveness of CBLEWS in reducing fatalities, injuries, and infrastructure damage. Its success hinges on community participation and ownership. Suggestions for practical applications and future research directions. To empower communities facing landslides, successful CBLEWS models, hazard training, stakeholder collaboration, and context-specific warnings are crucial. Long-term impact studies, cost-benefit analyses, understanding social influences, integrating with other warning systems, exploring advanced technologies, and establishing global guidelines are key research areas for further strengthening CBLEWS and safeguarding communities.