A landslide is the movement of rock and soil down a slope. Landslides can range in size from a single boulder in a rockfall to a very large avalanche of debris with huge quantities of rock and soil that can be spread across many kilometres.
Heavy rain, floods or earthquake shaking can cause a landslide. Human activity, such as removal of trees and vegetation, steep roadside cuttings or leaking water pipes can also cause landslides.
Before a landslide
Getting ready before a landslide will help reduce damage to your home and business and help you survive.
- Find out from your council if there have been landslides in your area before and where they might occur again
- Check for signs that the ground may be moving. These signs include:
- Sticking doors and windowframes
- Gaps where frames are not fitting properly
- Decks and verandas moving or tilting away from the rest of the house
- New cracks or bulges on the ground, road or footpath
- Leaning trees, retaining walls or fences
- Water springs, seeps or waterlogged ground in areas that are not usually wet.
If you think a landslide is about to happen
You will need to know how to respond immediately:
- Evacuate and take your Getaway Kit with you
- Contact Emergency Services on 111
- Warn neighbours who might be affected
After a landslide
- Do not return to a site that has been affected by a landslide until it has been properly inspected.
- Take photographs and notes for insurance purposes.
