Before a landslide
Landslides are commonly occurring geomorphic phenomenon in the hills that modify slope and facilitate soil formation, and moisture retention. If in the hills, you can neither rule out nor ignore landslides. Your informed decisions, and planned timely action can however save you, your loved ones, and your community from the wrath of landslides. So be aware, and act fast.
- Do not build near steep slopes, close to mountain edges, near drainage ways, or natural erosion valleys.
- Landslides generally take place repeatedly at one place. Go through historic account of landslides in your area and be sure that landslides did not affect areas in the proximity of you in the past.
- Landslide hazard maps depict probability of an area being affected by landslides in future. Contact local officials for landslide hazard map of your area, and be sure that you are not located in identified high landslide hazard zone.
- However, don’t assume that what happened previously would alone happen next time.
- Debris flows can start in places that have never been affected by these, and also return to slopes where these have already been.
- Hire an experienced geologist for detailed site analysis of your property, and undertake suggested corrective measures.
- Consult a professional for advice on appropriate preventative measures for your home or business.
- In mud and debris flow areas, consider building channels or deflection walls to try to direct the flow around buildings. Ensure that the diverted flow does not damage neighbor’s property.
- Watch the patterns of storm-water drainage near your home, and note the places where runoff water converges, increasing flow in channels. These are areas to avoid during a storm.
- Learn about the emergency-response and evacuation plans for your area.
- Develop your own emergency plan for your family or business.
- Have flexible pipe fittings installed to avoid gas or water leakage due to ground movement, as flexible fittings are more resistant to breakage.
- Plant ground cover on slopes, and build retaining walls.
- Prepare an emergency kit for your family.
- Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from landslides.
- Connect with local officials, and heed evacuation warnings.
- Leave if you have been told to evacuate, or you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home.
- Gather supplies in case you have to leave immediately. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets.
- Keep drains clean.
- Inspect drains for – litter, leaves, plastic bags, rubble and other obstructions.
- Keep the weep holes open.
- Grow more trees that can hold the soil through roots,
- Ensure that toe of slope is not cut, remains protected, don’t uproot trees unless re- vegetation is planned.
- Mark path of tracking so that you are not lost in middle of the forest.
- Know how to give signs or how to communicate during emergency time with flying helicopters, and rescue teams.
When the landslide is imminent
- Inform local authorities to have assessment of the potential danger.
- Inform affected neighbors. They may not be aware of the potential hazards.
- Help neighbors who may need assistance to evacuate.
- Evacuate. Getting out of the path of a landslide or debris flow is your best protection.
- Curl into a tight ball and protect your head if escape is not possible.
During a landslide
- Stay alert, awake and active (3A’s). Many debris-flow fatalities occur when people are sleeping.
- Listen to weather warnings, and be aware that intense, short bursts of rain may be particularly dangerous, especially after longer periods of heavy rainfall and damp weather.
- If you are in areas susceptible to landslides, and debris flows, consider leaving if it is safe to do so.
- Remember that driving during an intense storm can be hazardous.
- If you remain at home, move to a second story if possible.
- Staying out of the path of a landslide or debris flow saves lives.
- Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.
- A trickle of flowing or falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. Moving debris can flow quickly and sometimes without warning.
- If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and for a change from clear to muddy water. Such changes may indicate landslide activity upstream, so be prepared to move quickly. Don’t delay! Save yourself, not your belongings.
- Be especially alert when driving.
- Bridges may be washed out, and culverts overtopped. Do not cross flooding streams!! Embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides.
- Watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flows.
- Be aware that strong shaking from earthquakes can induce or intensify the effects of landslides.
- Be aware that by the time you are sure a debris flow is coming, that will be too late to get away safely.
- Never cross a road with water or mud flowing.
- Never cross a bridge if you see a flow approaching. It can grow faster and larger too quickly for you to escape.
- If you do get stuck in the path of a landslide move uphill as quickly as possible.
- Avoid river valleys, and low-lying areas during times of danger.
- If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow or water that changes from clear to muddy. These can be signs that a landslide is coming.
- If inside a building; stay inside and take cover under a desk, table, or other piece of sturdy furniture
- If outdoors; try and get out of the path of the landslide or mudflow, run to the nearest high ground in a direction away from the landslide path, if rocks and other debris are approaching, run for the nearest shelter such as a group of trees or a building, and if escape is not possible, curl into a tight ball and protect your head.
After a landslide
- Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides.
- Listen to local radio or television stations for the latest emergency information.
- Watch for flooding. Floods sometimes follow landslides and debris flows because they may both be started by the same conditions.
- Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area.
- Direct rescuers to their locations.
- Help a neighbor who may require special assistance – infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.
- Do not touch or walk over loose material and electrical wiring or pole.
- Do not drink contaminated water directly from rivers, springs, wells but rain water if collected directly without is fine.
- Do not move an injured person without rendering first aid unless the casualty is in immediate danger.
- Report broken utility lines and damaged roadways and railways to appropriate authorities. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury.
- Check the building foundation, chimney, and surrounding land for damage. This might help you assess the safety of the area. Get the same confirmed by trained professionals.
- Replant damaged ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to flash flooding and additional landslides in the near future.
- Seek advice from a geotechnical expert for evaluating landslide hazards or designing corrective techniques to reduce landslide risk. A professional will be able to advise you of the best ways to prevent or reduce landslide risk, without creating further hazard.