If expansive soils and subsidence are included, total losses from mass wasting in the U.S. are many times greater than the annual combined losses from earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes.

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Expansive soils and subsidence can cause significant damage to structures, leading to high repair costs. When these factors are included, the total losses from mass wasting (which includes landslides, mudflows, and other forms of ground movement) can indeed exceed the annual combined losses from other major natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes in the U.S. This is because mass wasting can affect large areas and is often exacerbated by human activities, leading to widespread and costly damage.

If Expansive Soils and Subsidence Are Included, Total Losses from Mass