Inspired by this CNN story.
For those that may not be able to read, apparently in the Washington state Nile Valley, there was a rare occurance.
Landslides, mudslides, and shifting landscape due to earthquake are all something we are familiar with. But in this instance, and entire hillside collapsed, burying a half mile stretch of highway under tons and tons of rubble.
It also dumped into the Naches river, which has been at least partially diverted, flooding some nearby homes and farms.
Initial estimates are of $20 million dollars, but that is expected to go up. I imagine by a lot, as the road itself will have to be completely rebuilt.
The slide area now appears to be stable, and geologists are calling it a “natural land movement”.
Now, with all that being said, should we (humanity) “fix” this? Should we move aside the massive landfall, redredge the river, and restore the area to what it was before the movement?
Or should we accept it, build a new road over the new hill, and make new maps?
I put this in GD, as I figure there will be some debate. I could be wrong.