Abstract <p>Landslides are among the most caustic natural hazards, particularly in mountainous regions like the Uttarakhand Himalaya, which pose significant threats to human life and infrastructure. This study compiles data on deadly landslides in the Uttarakhand Himalaya to identify patterns and assess their impacts. An inventory of 64 deadly landslides was catalogued, resulting in over 1516 fatalities and substantial property damage. The analysis reveals a concerning increase in landslide frequency and associated casualties, particularly following extreme rainfall events. The research highlights that approximately 67% of these landslides occurred after 2000, correlating with 141 extreme rainfall events recorded since 1970. By examining these events’ temporal and spatial distribution, the research underscores the importance of understanding local climate, geology, and topography in predicting future landslide risks. Findings indicate that most landslides occurred on steep slopes composed of gneiss and quartzite, particularly during the monsoon when heavy rainfall exacerbates slope instability. This comprehensive catalogue is a crucial resource for researchers and policymakers, providing insights into the historical context of landslides in Uttarakhand and informing disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies. This study enhances insight into the factors causative of deadly landslides and improves the resilience of societies against future geological hazards in the region.</p> Research highlights <p><OrderedList> <ListItem> <ItemNumber>•</ItemNumber> <ItemContent> <p>A comprehensive inventory of 64 deadly landslides in the Uttarakhand Himalaya, causing over 1,516 fatalities, is compiled.</p> </ItemContent> </ListItem> <ListItem> <ItemNumber>•</ItemNumber> <ItemContent> <p>Landslide frequency and associated casualties have increased significantly since 2000, closely linked to extreme rainfall events.</p> </ItemContent> </ListItem> <ListItem> <ItemNumber>•</ItemNumber> <ItemContent> <p>Most deadly landslides occurred during the monsoon season on steep slopes underlain by gneiss and quartzite lithologies.</p> </ItemContent> </ListItem> <ListItem> <ItemNumber>•</ItemNumber> <ItemContent> <p>The study provides critical insights for landslide hazard assessment, disaster preparedness, and risk mitigation in the Himalayan region.</p> </ItemContent> </ListItem> </OrderedList></p>