jacquic,

I feel badly for those who lost their lives and homes. However, please allow me to temper that with the following:

1) Towns and counties issue building and development permits.
2) Developers develop.
3) People buy.
4) Stuff happens.

I understand there is a 'rule of disclosure' in some States. Regardless, people do buy knowing the possibility of slides is there. Many folks feel it will never happen to them. There are still people who will pitch a tent in an arroyo--because there hasn't been any rain for forty-two years. Surprise.

I would never buy in a slide area or an area that has been 'reclaimed'. Many people do.

BM