How can mudslides be prevented

Other risky areas include places near channels or rivers as well as areas where surface runoff is directed. Remember, the safest way to prepare for any severe weather event or natural disaster is with preparedness. This mudslide safety guide would be incomplete without giving you some of the tools you need to prepare. When it comes to mudslides and landslides, alerts for heavy rains, severe thunderstorms, droughts, and wildfires can help you prepare. We also recommend using an alerting platform that works best for you.

If your workplace is in a mudslide-prone area and you use the computer all day, email alerts are a great bet. Having a weather map that can do it all will help you prepare and protect what matters to you most.

Minus Related Pages. What landslides and debris flows are. What causes landslides and debris flows. On This Page. Health threats from landslides and debris flows. What areas are at risk. What you can do to protect yourself. Where you can get additional information on landslide and mudflow hazards.

Minimize home hazards Plant ground cover on slopes to stabilize the land, and build retaining walls. Build channels or deflection walls to direct the flow around buildings. Make evacuation plans Plan at least two evacuation routes since roads may become blocked or closed.

Learn to recognize the landslide warning signs Doors or windows stick or jam for the first time. New cracks appear in plaster, tile, brick or foundations. Outside walls, walks or stairs begin pulling away from the building. Slowly developing, widening cracks appear on the ground or on paved areas. Underground utility lines break. Bulging ground appears at the base of a slope. Water breaks through the ground surface. Fences, retaining walls, utility poles or trees tilt or move.

You hear a faint rumbling sound that increases in volume as the landslide nears. The ground slopes downward in one specific direction and may begin shifting in that direction under your feet.

During a landslide: If inside a building Stay inside. Take cover under a desk, table or other piece of sturdy furniture. If outdoors After a landslide Run to the nearest high ground in a direction away from the path. If rocks and other debris are approaching, run for the nearest shelter such as a group of trees or a building. If escape is not possible, curl into a tight ball and protect your head. Remember that flooding may occur after a mudflow or a landslide.

El Salvador. Burkina Faso. Cape Verde. Central African Republic. Democratic Republic of Congo. Equatorial Guinea. Ivory Coast. Saint Helena. Sierra Leone. South Africa.

Saudi Arabia. East Timor. Hong Kong. South Korea. Sri Lanka. New Zealand.