Satellites may warn of killer landslides

Researchers in China and the United Kingdom hope to use satellite imaging for the early detection of landslides in Southwest China, such as the one in late June that engulfed a village in Maoxian county, Sichuan province, leaving at least 10 dead and 73 missing.

A team of researchers from the UK's Newcastle University and several Chinese institutions analyzed before and after satellite images of the Maoxian region that show the danger area had been moving at a slow pace for at least six months before failing completely.

The team identified 10 other active landslides in the region and forwarded the information to authorities.