What Are the Major Do's and Don’ts During a Landslide?

Landslides are the result of disturbance caused in the hilly slopes due to underground water pressure, rainfall, earthquake, human intrusion, and a lot more.

To safeguard yourself and your community against such disasters, you must follow some do's and don’ts during landslides before government help reaches you.

Keep reading to know more about these precautions!

Although there is no definite answer for what can be done to prevent landslides, there are a handful of steps you can take beforehand to safeguard yourself and your family.

Here is a list of do’s and don’ts to abide by before a possible landslide -

Do’s

• Assess the soil before constructing your home or taking any property in a landslide-prone or hilly area.
• Make buildings away from the steep slopes, edge of mountains, drainage ways, or natural erosion valleys.
• Build embankments on the gradient slopes.
• Build retaining walls.
•  Fit flexible gas pipes to avoid leakage.
• Buy insurance that covers the damage caused to your property for landslide damage.
• Implement land-use zoning cover in areas most vulnerable to landslides or other natural hazards. 
• Prepare evacuation plans and an emergency supply kit containing all necessary items required during such hazards. 
• Stay updated with the latest emergency information through radio alerts and television sources

Don’ts

• Don't ignore signs of cracks or roaring sounds of sloping rocks, cracking of trees.
• Watch the channel of stormwater drainage and run-off water converge near your building. Don’t take your way of exit through these paths during landslides or storms.
• Don't try to divert the pathway of debris flow to neighbours land as you will be liable to pay for the damage later on.

The primary thing to do is stop panicking and obeying Government instructions during the emergency period.

What to Do During a Landslide?

• If you stay in a landslide-prone area, then try to evacuate the place as early as possible.
• Be aware of unusual cracking or rolling of huge stones.
• Keep a watch on the water in the stream or channel. A rise in water level or transformation of colour from clear to muddy can be alarming.
• Stay out of the path of debris or landslides.
• Keep watch on the road for mud blocks or debris overflow.
• Try to connect with the local authority for relief or help.
• Make your neighbours aware of the calamity.
• Just take your necessary documents and valuables with you.
• Prioritize your life more than your furniture at home or vehicles on the road.

What Not to Do During a Landslide?

• Don't drive during the landslide.
• Don’t cross any stream or flooding river.
• Do not ignore damp areas or any mark of cracks on roads and buildings.
  
• Do not get close to any loose electrical wiring or pole.
• Avoid obstructing the path of a steep slope by placing waste materials or debris.

Here is a list of do’s and don'ts to stay safe during a landslide -

Do’s

• Shift to safer land.
• Take all your valuables and documents with you.
• Inform your neighbours and relatives residing in that area.
• Take out your pets and vehicles to a safer place.
• Evacuate the place.
• In case escaping out is not possible, then protect your head.
• Stay alert and awake to take an instant action in case of potential danger. 
• If you live in a landslide-prone area, make sure to plant sturdy vegetation on slopes which might help in preventing erosion. 
• Watch out for any cracks on your building or any tilted poles/trees.

Don’ts

• Don’t disobey the Government's instruction.
• Try to avoid the predicted path of the landslide.
• Report any assistance required for injured people to official rescue authorities.

If there is a need for evacuation, then you must follow some dos and don'ts during landslides. Your life and safety is the priority and then comes the property.

Do’s

• Evacuate the landslide susceptible place as early as possible.
• Carry necessary documents with you.
• Carry emergency medicine kit, dry food, and drinking water.
• Use alternate routes which have less landslide susceptibility to reach an evacuation shelter location. 
• Use a battery-powered radio to follow any updates on evacuation instructions provided by local Government authorities.

Don’ts

• Don't stay back in the place, which is susceptible to landslides and needs evacuation.
• Avoid using elevators since there can be a sudden power outage.

The aftermath of any natural disaster is tremendous.

Therefore, here is a list of dos and don’ts for you to combat the aftermath better -

Do’s

• Connect with the local government authority for the latest updates.
• Report to the respective authorities about resuming utility services.
• Report about any potential hazard if you or your acquaintance has come across.
• Check your building and land with a professional to recover from damages.
• Keep checks on the flash flood.
• Try to recover and help others to revive from anxiety, stress, and fear of landslides.
• Connect with the insurance company to invigilate the losses and process claims.
• Clear the drainage system of the house. Also, opt for maintenance service if required.

Don’ts

• Don’t ignore any signs of illness or infection. Consult the doctor for any infectious diseases.
• Don't claim for what is not covered under the insurance policy.
• Don’t ignore the necessary measures that can save you from the upcoming calamity.

Hopefully, the above information on what to do before, during and after a landslide has made you aware of everything that can come to your aid during such disasters. Based on your situation and priority, you need to do a lot of other necessary things as well.

Landslides generally happen in lands that have a prior history of the same. Therefore, know from the landslide survivors and prepare your list of dos and don'ts during the landslide. Share it with your children as well. Taking all necessary measures or precautions can safeguard your life.