WHY DID THE 1962 AVALANCH OF PERU HAPPEN

The 1962 avalanche in Peru, known as the Huascarán avalanche, occurred on January 10, 1962, in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range. It was one of the deadliest avalanches in recorded history, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives.

The main cause of the avalanche was a massive earthquake that occurred the day before, on January 9. This earthquake, known as the 1962 Ancash earthquake, had a magnitude of 7.9 and caused widespread damage in the region. The earthquake triggered the collapse of a large portion of the northern face of the Huascarán mountain, which is the highest peak in Peru.

The collapse of the mountain triggered a massive snow and ice avalanche that swept down the slopes, engulfing several towns and villages in its path. The avalanche traveled at high speeds, burying everything in its way under snow, rocks, and debris.

The specific factors that contributed to the severity of the avalanche include the steepness of the slopes, the accumulation of heavy snowfall on the mountain, and the presence of glaciers. These factors made the avalanche much larger and more devastating than it would have been under normal conditions.

To get more detailed information about the 1962 Huascarán avalanche, you can refer to historical records, scientific studies, news archives, or documentaries about the event. These sources will provide you with a deeper understanding of the specific circumstances and causes that led to the occurrence of this tragic event.