Fatalities in a landslide are typically caused by several violent mechanisms, most notably massive blunt-force trauma from high-speed collisions with boulders, falling trees, and structural debris as homes are crushed. Victims can also suffer from traumatic asphyxiation or mechanical suffocation when fine-grained mud, soil, and debris completely fill their airways and lungs, making it impossible to breathe. Additionally, powerful debris flows can drag victims rapidly over long distances, causing fatal drowning or overwhelming physical trauma before rescue teams can reach the impact zone.
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