Chapter: 11th Geography : Chapter 8 : Natural Disasters - Public Awareness For Disaster Risk Reduction
Landslide - Disaster and Rules of actions during disasters
Landslide
A landslide is defined as the
movement of a mass of rock debris down a slope. Landslides are caused by the
direct
Landslides can
be caused by rainfall, snowmelt, stream erosion, and flood, earthquakes,
volcanic activity, disturbance by human activities, or any combination of these
factors.
Landslides
cause property
damage, injury and death and adversely affect a variety of resources. For
example, water supplies, fisheries, sewage disposal systems, forests, dams and
roadways can be affected.
During a Landslide
•
Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as
trees cracking or boulders knocking together.
•
If you are near a river, 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.
•
Be alert especially when driving. Embankments along roadsides are
particularly susceptible to landslides.
•
Disconnect the power supply in the areas of landslide.
After the Landslide
•
Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides
•
Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering
the direct slide area.
•
Direct rescuers to their locations.
•
Listen to local radio or television for the latest emergency information
•
Watch for flooding, which may occur after a landslide or debris flow.
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