Mudslides

Mudslides
Landslides
 

 

 

 

Have Your Disaster Supplies and

Emergency Kits Handy!

 

 

Landslides can be caused by several factors, such as water saturation, slopes becoming steeper due to construction or erosion, freezing and thawing of land, shaking from earthquakes and their aftershocks, and volcanic eruptions.  Gravity is the enemy during any kind of land movement. Landslides can be slow or fast moving, depending on the area and  weather related or man made factors.

Landslides usually happen after periods of heavy water saturation.  Flooding often occurs.  In recently burned area, it does not take much water to start a landslide.

Mudslides, also known as mud flows or debris flows, are fast moving landslides.  They typically occur after heavy rains orsnow that melts quickly.  They are usually associated with area with steeper terrain.   Mudslides start out as shallow landslides, and with the help of gravity, gather debris and gain speed quickly.  The consistency of a mudslide varies from watery mud to very thick mud to rocky mud depending on whatever is in its path.  Depending on the terrain, separate mudslides can merge together, and pick upspeed, gathering any debris in its path.  It is not uncommon for mudslides to pick up rocks, boulders, trees, even cars.  They more debris picked up along the way, the faster the flow, thus causing more havoc..

When the flow hits flatter land, the debris spreads out, and can cause widespread destruction.

Most people think of landslides or mudslides in hilly or mountainous area, especiallyafter a heavy rain follows a fire.  There is no vegetation to hold the water and mud and debris back.  However, one example associated with volcanic activity is Mount Saint Helen in Washington state.  This caused one of the largest debris flows on record.  Another example happened in California along the Pacific Coast Highway.  When a mudslide came to the bottom of a hillside, it wiped out the townof La Conchita and part of Pacific Coast Highway. 

Areas with a history of previous landslides, developed hillside areas, the bases of steep slops, areas where leach field septic systems are used, the bases of drainage channels (natural or man made), are all prone to landslides.

Mudslides are a disaster that happens in all states.  To find out how susceptible you are in your area, you cancontact your local university's department of geology, your local or state geological society or department of natural resources. 

If you live in an area prone to slides, watch for storm water drainage on slopes near your home.  Keep track of the places where water runoff comes together, or where the flow of water increases its flow over well covered slopes.  Always check for signs of landmovement on any hillside around your home, such as small landslides or trees that tilt and falling rocks.
 

Planning for a Landslide or Mudslide

► If you live in an area prone to mudslides, talk to your Insurance agent about insurance.  through the National Flood Insurance Program, flood insurance may cover Debris flow from a slide.

► Have an Evacuation Plan.  Discuss this plan along with yourother Disaster Plans with all of the family.  Everyone should know what to do in a Disaster situation, whether they are home or not.  Discussions and planning helps to reduce the fear levels when responding to an emergency.

Have your Disaster Supplies and Emergency Kits ready!

Protect your Property

Before a Storm

► You can contact private consulting company who  specializes  in earthmovement for opinions and advice on problems and how to solve them.  Look for Geo technical engineering, structural engineering, civil engineering.   Trying to fix problems without professional advice could make the problem worse and cause more of a risk to you and your family and your property.

► The use of flexible pipe fittings can help you avoid water or gas leaks since they are less...