Mhathung Ngullie
Landslides endanger humans as they can occur suddenly, causing loss of life and damage to properties. Landslides are ubiquitous and occur in all climates, on mostly hilly terrains, in lakes and in oceans. Some rocks are more landslide-resistant than others, but regolith is likely to be landslide prone. A landslide may be defined as a process involving downward and outward movement of a part of slope forming material along a definite plan i.e plane of failure.
Whenever we recognize the landslide warning signs, people must stay alert and stay away. Many landslide debris-flow fatalities occur when people are sleeping. Be aware that intense short bursts of rain may be particularly dangerous after long periods of heavy rainfall and damp weather.
• 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 landslide.
• If you are in areas susceptible to landslides and debris flows, consider leaving if it is safe to do so.
• Be especially alert when driving. Embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides. Watch the roads for collapsed pavements, mud, falling roads and other indications of possible landslide or debris flows.
• Keep looking for signs that the land is moving. Land slides can occur weeks and months after intense storms.
We can minimize home hazards by planting ground covering trees on slopes and build retaining walls in mud flow areas or build channels or deffection walls to direct the flow around buildings.
• Give support to local Government in its effort to develop and enforce land use and building ordinances that regulate constructions in areas susceptible to landslides and debris flow.
• Buildings should be located away from known landslides, debris flow, steep slopes, streams and rivers, intermittent streams, channels and the mouth of the mountain channels.
• Watch the pattern of storms-water drainage on slopes near your home and note especially the places with runoff water coverage, increasing flow over soil-cover slopes.
• Watch the hillsides around your home for any sign of land movement such as small landslides or debris flows or progressively tilting trees.
• Contact your local authorities to learn about the emergencies and evacuation plans for your areas, and develop your own emergency plan for you family and business.
(DIPR Feature)
