Researchers mapped 128 million US buildings for landslide exposure; 6.5 million Americans live in...

Researchers mapped 128 million US buildings for landslide exposure, finding 6.5 million Americans live in danger zones.

The University of Washington created the Landslide Exposure Database (LED), the first detailed national map of landslide risk.

More than half of exposed Americans live in eastern states, including densely populated areas like Illinois, Minnesota, and Nebraska.

Rural residents make up 62% of the exposed population and face greater recovery challenges due to fewer financial resources.

Landslides cause about 25 deaths per year in the US, and the study highlights the need for increased public investment in rural areas.