Could the Thredbo landslide have been prevented?

While many landslides can be triggered by bad weather and other natural causes, the Thredbo landslide was, unfortunately, an accident that could have been prevented. And, as the leakages became stronger, the water saturated the uncompacted land below the road until it finally collapsed and triggered the landslide.

What were the impacts of the Thredbo landslide?

The Thredbo landslide was a catastrophic landslide that occurred at the village and ski resort of Thredbo, New South Wales, Australia, on 30 July 1997. Two ski lodges were destroyed and 18 people died. Stuart Diver was the only survivor.

Where is Stuart Diver now?

Thredbo
Stuart is still living in Thredbo, where he is raising his and Rosanna’s young daughter Alessia.

How long did it take for Stuart Diver to recover?

65 hours
Stuart Diver, a ski instructor, was rescued from the staff lodge after being trapped for 65 hours beside the body of his wife.

How did Thredbo staff cope with the disaster?

In the background of the rescue work, Thredbo staff were still working, and having to cope with the trauma of the event. For Wendy, a customer relations manager at Thredbo at the time, the landslide was followed by mental health problems that developed over the next two years.

Why was the Thredbo landslide a turning point?

However, the disaster proved to be a turning point for the planning that went into emergency service procedures, and was an incentive to readily monitor surrounding land at the site, to prevent something similar happening in the future. The response underway at the scene of the landslide.

Who was the diver on the Thredbo disaster?

Diver, who remarried this year, is keeping out of the media spotlight and is devoting himself to his work so it is impossible to say what will be going through his mind on days like today, the fifth anniversary of the Thredbo disaster.

What is the prevention, response and recovery disaster management guideline?

This Prevention, Preparedness, Response and Recovery Disaster Management Guideline has been developed to provide guidance to local, district and state disaster management stakeholders with regard to their functions, obligations and legislative requirements under the Act.