Mga Pagguho ng Lupa at Pagdaloy ng Debris

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Ang mga Pagguho ng lupa (landslide) ay nagaganap sa lahat ng estado at teritoryo ng ng U.S. at maaaring dulot ng iba't-ibang bagay kasama na ang mga lindol, bagyo, pagsabog ng bulkan, sunog at ng pagbabagong ginagawa ng tao sa lupa. Ang mga pagguho ng lupa ay mabilis na nangyayari, madalas ay walang babala at ang pinakamahusay na paghahanda ay ang manatiling nakababatid tungkol sa mga pagbabago sa loob at labas ng iyong tahanan na maaaring maghudyat na maaaring maganap ang pagguho ng lupa.

Sa isang pagguho ng lupa, maraming bato, lupa, o debris (kalat) ang bumababa sa nakahilig na bahagi ng lupa. Ang debris at putik na dumadaloy ay isang ilog ng bato, lupa, at iba pang debris na basang-basa ng tubig. Nabubuo ito kapag mabilis na naiipon ang tubig sa lupa kapag malakas ang pag-ulan o mabilis ang pagtunaw ng yelo, na bumabago sa lupa at ginagawa itong isang dumadaloy na ilog ng putik o "slurry." Maaaring dumaloy ito nang mabilis, nakagugulat at walang babala na kasingbilis pa ng avalanche (pagguho ng snow). Maaari rin itong dumaloy nang ilang milya mula sa pinanggalingan, at lumalaki ang sukat habang humuhugot ng mga puno, malalaking bato, kotse at iba pang bagay.

Ang mga problema sa pagguho ng lupa ay maaaring idulot ng hindi wastong pangangasiwa sa lupa, lalo na sa may bundok, kanyon at mga rehiyong baybayin. Sa mga lugar na nasunog ng mga forest at brush fire, ang mahinang kakayahan sa pag-uulan ay maaaring magsimula ng mga pagguho ng lupa. Maaaring mapababa ng pag-zone sa paggamit ng lupa, mga propesyonal na pagsisiyasat, at wastong pagdisenyo ang maraming problema sa pagguho ng lupa, putik, at debris.

Before a Landslide

The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property from the effects of a landslide or debris flow:

To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Prepare for landslides by following proper land-use procedures - avoid building near steep slopes, close to mountain edges, near drainage ways or along natural erosion valleys.
Become familiar with the land around you. Learn whether debris flows have occurred in your area by contacting local officials. Slopes where debris flows have occurred in the past are likely to experience them in the future.
Get a ground assessment of your property.
Consult a professional for advice on appropriate preventative measures for your home or business, such as flexible pipe fittings, which can better resist breakage.
Protect your property by planting ground cover on slopes and building retaining walls.
In mudflow areas, build channels or deflection walls to direct the flow around buildings. Be aware, however, if you build walls to divert debris flow and the flow lands on a neighbor's property, you may be liable for damages.
If you are at risk from a landslide talk to your insurance agent. Debris flow may be covered by flood insurance policies from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Recognize Landslide Warning Signs

Changes occur in your landscape such as patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes (especially the places where runoff water converges) land movement, small slides, flows, or progressively leaning trees.
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 such as streets or driveways.
Underground utility lines break.
Bulging ground appears at the base of a slope.
Water breaks through the ground surface in new locations.
Fences, retaining walls, utility poles, or trees tilt or move.
A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume is noticeable as the landslide nears.
The ground slopes downward in one direction and may begin shifting in that direction under your feet.
Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together, might indicate moving debris.
Collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flow can be seen when driving (embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides).

During a Landslide

During a severe storm, stay alert and awake. Many deaths from landslides occur while people are sleeping.
Listen to local news stations on a battery-powered radio for warnings of heavy rainfall.
Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.
Move away from the path of a landslide or debris flow as quickly as possible. The danger from a mudflow increases near stream channels and with prolonged heavy rains. Mudflows can move faster than you can walk or run. Look upstream before crossing a bridge and do not cross the bridge if a mudflow is approaching.
Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas.
If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and notice whether the water changes from clear to muddy. Such changes may mean there is debris flow activity upstream so be prepared to move quickly.
Curl into a tight ball and protect your head if escape is not possible.

After a Landslide

Go to a designated public shelter if you have been told to evacuate or you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).
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, which may occur after a landslide or debris flow. Floods sometimes follow landslides and debris flows because they may both be started by the same event.
Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area. Direct rescuers to their locations.
Look for and 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. Damage to foundations, chimneys, or surrounding land may help you assess the safety of the area.
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.

Related Websites

Find additional information on how to plan and prepare for a landslide or debris flow emergency and learn about available resources by visiting the following websites:

Listen to Local Officials

Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.