Landslides are often preceded by some geomorphic, and other changes. These can be taken as signs of slope instability, and timely action can help in saving lives.
- Springs, seepages, or saturated ground in areas that have not typically been wet before.
- Rapid increase in water levels, possibly accompanied by increased turbidity (soil content).
- Sudden decrease in water levels though rain is still falling or just recently stopped.
- Sudden disappearance of springs, and seepages along the hill slope.
- New cracks or unusual bulges in the ground, street pavements or sidewalks.
- Soil moving away from foundations.
- Ancillary structures such as decks and patios tilting and/or moving relative to the main house.
- Outside walls, walks, or stairs begin pulling away from the building.
- Tilting or cracking of concrete floors and foundations.
- Broken water lines, and other underground utilities.
- New cracks appear in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations.
- Slowly developing, widening cracks appear on the ground or on paved areas such as streets or driveways.
- Bulging ground appears at the base of a slope.
- Fences, retaining walls, utility poles, or trees tilt or move.
- Leaning telephone poles, trees, retaining walls or fences.
- Offset fence lines.
- Sunken or down-dropped road beds.
- Sticking doors, and windows, and visible open spaces indicating jambs, and frames out of plumb.
- Huge boulders in the landscape can be signs of past landslides.
- A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume is noticeable as the landslide nears.
- Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together, might indicate moving debris.
In case you notice such signs contact the nearest Tehsil or District headquarters.
Areas that are generally prone to landslides
- Old and/or recent existing landslides.
- Base or top of slopes.
- In or at the base of minor drainage hollows.
- At the base or top of an old fill slope.
- At the base or top of a steep cut slope.
- Developed hillsides where leach field septic systems are used.
Areas generally safe from landslides
- Hard, non-jointed bedrock that has not moved in the past.
- Flat-lying areas away from steep river banks.
- At the top or along the nose of ridges, set back from the tops of slopes.
- Flat-lying areas away from sudden changes in slope angle.