The La Pintada landslide, Guerrero, Mexico: hints from the Pre-Classic to the disasters of modern times

Abstract

A landslide triggered by rainfall derived from hurricane Manuel took place on Independence Day, 16 September 2013, in the small village of La Pintada in Guerrero state, Mexico. There were 78 fatalities, 8 missing persons and 8 injured. Estimated cumulative rainfall in La Pintada during 1–16 September was 278.6 mm. The depth of the failure surface was 8 m in the middle and lower areas and 10–14 m at the top. Landslide volume was estimated at ∼125,000 m3. This paper provides a general account of the factors leading to hillslope instability in the region of La Pintada in terms of hazard understanding and offers a hypothetical view of the historical-cultural aspects of the foundation of the village, as a potential expression of past landslide activity.