Now that the rains are here...

Yesterday we had the first big premonsoon shower in Kalimpong... since nothing much has been done by way of landslide prevention, I thought might as well post the do's and don'ts from the Geological Survey of India website
(kindly help by giving as much publicity as possible) :-

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LANDSLIDE READY RECKONER

Areas that are generally prone to landslides

• Old and/or recent existing landslides,
• Base or top of slopes
• Base of minor drainage hollows
• Base or top of an old fill slope
• Base or top of a steep cut slope

Areas generally safe from landslides

• Hard, non-jointed bedrock that has not moved in the past
• Flat-lying areas away from slopes and steep river banks
• The nose of ridges, set back from the tops of slopes

Landslide warning signs

• Sticking or jamming of doors or windows.
• Appearance of cracks in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations.
• Pulling away from the building of outside walls or stairs.
• Slow development of widening cracks on the ground or on paved areas such as streets..
• Breakage of underground utility lines.
• Appearance of bulging ground at the base of a slope
• Emergence of flowing ground water in new sites.
• Sudden decrease in creek water levels though rain is still falling or just recently stopped.
• Tilting or moving of fences, retaining walls, utility poles, or trees.
• Faint rumbling sound that increases in volume as the landslide nears.The ground slopes downward in one specific direction and may begin shifting in that direction under your feet.
  

Immediate steps for imminent Landslide

• Contact Contact your local fire, police or public works department
• Inform affected neighbors
• Leave the area quickly
  

Actions to be taken before Intense Rainfall

• Become familiar with the land around you. Slopes where landslides or debris flows have occurred in the past are likely to experience them in the future.
• Buildings should be located away from known landslides, debris flows, steep slopes, streams and rivers, intermittent-stream channels, and the mouths of mountain channels.
• Observe the patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes near your home, and watch especially the places were runoff water converges, increasing flow over soil-covered slopes. Observe the hillsides around your home for any signs of land movement, such as small landslides or debris flows or progressively tilting trees.
• Contact your local authorities to learn about the disaster management response, and develop your own emergency plans for your family and business.
  

During Intense Rainfall

• Be observant. Many landslide and debris flow fatalities occur when people are sleeping. Listen to radio for warnings of intense rainfall. Intense short bursts of rain may be particularly dangerous, especially after longer periods of heavy rainfall and damp weather.
• Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of flowing or falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. Be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow in streams or channels. Such changes may indicate landslide activity upstream, so be prepared to move quickly.
• If you live in areas susceptible to landslides and debris flows, consider leaving if it is safe to do so. If you remain at home, move to a part of the house farthest away from the source of the landslide or debris flows, such as an upper floor, but keep an escape route open should it become necessary to leave the house.
• Be alert when on the roads. Embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides. Watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible landslides or debris flows.
  

After Intense Rainfall

• Be alert for signs indicating land movement. Landslides can occur weeks or months after intense storms.

Things to Remember

• Mudflows tend to flow in channels, but will often spread out over a floodplain. They generally occur in places where they have occurred before.
• Landslide and mudflows usually strike without warning. The force of rocks, soil, or other debris moving down a slope can devastate anything in its path. Take the following steps to be ready.
• Plant ground cover on slopes and build retaining walls.
• In mudflow areas, build channels or deflection walls to direct the flow around buildings.
• Remember: If you build walls to divert debris flow and the flow lands on a neighbor's property, you may be liable for damages.
  

Precautions to be taken during landslides

If inside a building:

• Stay inside.
• Take cover under a desk, table, or other piece of sturdy furniture.

If outdoors:

• Try and get out of the path of the landslide or mudflow.
• Run to the nearest high ground in a direction away from the path.
• If rocks and other debris are approaching, run for the nearest shelter such as a group of trees or a building.
• If escape is not possible, curl into a tight ball and protect your head.

After Landslide

• Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides.
• Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide area. Give first aid if trained.
• Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.
• Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for the latest emergency information.
• Remember that flooding may occur after a mudflow or a landslide.
• Check for damaged utility lines. Report any damage to the utility company.
• Check the building foundation, chimney, and surrounding land for damage.
• Replant damaged ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to flash flooding.
• Seek the advice of geotechnical expert for evaluating landslide hazards or designing corrective techniques to reduce landslide risk.

praful rao