"Landslides killed more than 32,000 people across the world from 2004 to 2010 - up to 10 times more than previously thought, the first detailed study of the disasters showed on Thursday."

"The new data on the scale of the problem should force governments to rethink how they dealt with the slides which have left a trail of destruction from China to Central and South America, researchers said.

'Landslides are a global hazard requiring a major change in perception and policy,' said David Petley, lead researcher on the study at Britain's University of Durham.

'There are things that we can do to manage and mitigate landslide risks such as controlling land use, proactive forest management and guiding development away from vulnerable areas.'"

Nina Chestney reports for Reuters August 17, 2012. [2]