Warning Signs of a Landslide
A landslide is movement of the ground that usually occurs on a slope. In a landslide, falling rocks and moving land can change the landscape and wipe out anything in the way. Because evacuating before a landslide occurs will save lives, knowing the warning signs of a landslide is important.
Other People Are Reading
-
Landscape Changes
-
Changes in the landslide can be a warning side of an imminent landslide. If you notice changes in water flow, such as drainage water pipes, look for other signs and prepare for a landslide. Smaller landslides or falling rocks -- as well as leaning trees, poles and fence posts -- can be a warning signs of a landslide. Cracks that slowly become larger might start to appear in sidewalks, pavement and dirt. At the bottom of the slope, the ground may begin to bulge.
Changes Inside
-
Changes also take place inside the home before landslides. You may notice that opening previously easy-to-open doors and windows is harder. Cracks may appear in the walls of the structure, the floor and in the foundation. Walls and stairs may start to pull away from the rest of the building. Utility lines may start to break, interrupting service.
-
Other Signs
-
Sometimes you can hear a landslide when it happens. You'll hear trees knocking together or cracking. You may also hear boulders falling and smacking into each other or the ground. As the landslide gets closer, you may hear a rumbling noise. When driving, watch for landslides, especially at the base of slopes. The sides of roads are more prone to these landslides. Signs of a landslide while driving include pavement that is collapsed and fallen rocks from the impending landslide.
At-Risk Areas
-
Certain types of areas have a higher risk for landslides, so residents and visitors should watch for landslide warning signs in these locales. An area that sits on top of the site of an old landslide and homes and businesses located at the base of a slope are at higher risk. Other areas that are more landslide-prone include areas that are in a drainage hollow, in either the base or top of a previous fill slope, and hillsides with homes or businesses that use leach-field septic systems.
-
References
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
