GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS

 A geological hazard is a geological process or phenomenon that may cause loss of life,
injury or other health impacts, property damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social
and economic disruption, or environmental damage.
 It includes internal earth processes, such as earthquakes, volcanic activity and
emissions, and related geophysical processes such as mass movements, landslides,
rockslides, surface collapses and debris or mud flows.

Causes of Geological Hazards

According to Kusky (2003), there are several causes of geological hazards and these are;

1. The slow but steady movement of tectonic plates on the surface of the earth.

2. Earth surface processes

3. River flooding

4. Coastal erosion

5. Changing climate zone

DIFFERENT GEOLOGICAL HAZARDS

A. Rainfall-Induced Landslide

 Landslide is a geological phenomenon which includes a wide range of ground

movements, such a rock falls, deep failure of slopes and shallow debris flows, which can
occur in offshore, coastal and onshore environments.
 A Rainfall-Induced Landslides are landslides that occur due to extreme rainfall. The
gravity is the primary driving force for a landslide to occur and there are other
contributing factors affecting the original slope stability.


Types of Landslides according to Slides

1. Rotational slide – the surface is carved downward and outward like a rotation.

2. Translational slide – is likened to a chocolate that melts on a steep container due to high
temperature.
Types of Landslides according to Flows

1. Fall – sudden removal of a mass of geologic materials and its origin.

2. Topple – is characterized by the frontward turning of a component or components of

the slide. Topple may also be due to gravity and subsurface water.

3. Debris flow – is a classification of landslide which is made up of thin mixture of liquid

and landslide materials like soil, rock and organic matter.

4. Debris avalanche – is the result of a very fast debris flows.

5. Earthflow – has an “hourglass” shape.

6. Creep – slow downward movement of landslide materials like soil or rock.

7. Seasonal – landslide is within the depth of soil. It is due to seasonal changes in soil
moisture and soil temperature.

8. Continuous – is caused by shear stress.

9. Progressive – develops over a period of time when slopes reached the point of
weakness.

10. Lateral Spreads – a flow which happens on a low-lying area. The distribution of flow is
from side to side or horizontal.

Natural Causes of Landslide

a. Earthquakes

Seismic activities have always been a main cause of landslides throughout the world.
Earthquakes may trigger mass movement of soil due to its powerful force.

b. Heavy Rainfall

When sloped areas become completely saturated by heavy rainfall or excessive amount of rain ,
landslides may occur and may happen rapidly when there is no mechanical root of trees to
support the soil.

Human Causes of Landslide

c. Clear Cutting

It is often called as "Kaingin" or slash and burn method of cutting trees. This method is very
hazardous because it destroys the existing mechanical root structure in the area.
 d. Mining

Mining operations that use blasting techniques often cause other areas that are at risk of sliding
to slide due to vibrations underground.

Other Causes of Landslide

 Changes in water level

 Stream erosion

 Changes in ground water

Effects of Landslide

 Loss of lives to both humans and animals

 Cost to repair structures

 Loss of property value

 Disruption of transportation routes

 Medical costs in the event of injury

 Indirect costs such as lost timber and lost fish stocks

Some Landslide Incidents in the Philippines

1. Year 2003 Panaon Island (Southern Leyte) debris flow

2. Year 2006 Guinsaugon Landslide

3. Year 2009 Cordillera Landslides

4. Year 2012 Pantukan Landslide

5. Year 2012 New Bataan (Compostela Valley) debris flow

6. Year 2014 Catbalogan Landslide

7. Year 2017 Biliran Landslides

8. Year 2018 Itogon, Benguet Landslides

9. Year 2018 Naga, Cebu Landslide

What to Do BEFORE a Landslide

 Do not build near steep slopes, close to mountain edges, near drainage ways, or natural
erosion valleys.
 Get a ground assessment of your property.
 Contact local officials, state geological surveys or departments of natural resources, and
university departments of geology. Landslides occur where they have before, and in
identifiable hazard locations. Ask for information on landslides in your area, specific
information on areas vulnerable to landslides, and request a professional referral for a
very detailed site analysis of your property, and corrective measures you can take, if
necessary. Get information about the emergency-response and evacuation plans for
your area. Develop your own emergency plan for your family or business.
 Watch the patterns of storm-water drainage near your home, and note the places
where runoff water converges, increasing flow in channels. These are areas to avoid
during a storm.
 Learn about the emergency-response and evacuation plans for your area. Develop your
own emergency plan for your family or business.

Minimize Home Hazards:

 Have flexible pipe fittings installed to avoid gas or water leaks, as flexible fittings are
more resistant to breakage (only the gas company or professionals should install gas
fittings).
 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.

What to Do DURING a Landslide

 Stay alert and awake. Many debris-flow fatalities occur when people are sleeping. Listen
to a NOAA Weather Radio or portable, battery-powered radio or television for warnings
of intense rainfall. Be aware that intense, short bursts of rain may be particularly
dangerous, especially after longer periods of heavy rainfall and damp weather.
 If you are in areas susceptible to landslides and debris flows, consider leaving if it is safe
to do so. Remember that driving during an intense storm can be hazardous. If you
remain at home, move to a second story if possible. Staying out of the path of a
landslide or debris flow saves lives.
 Listen for any unusual sounds that 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. Moving debris can flow quickly and sometimes without warning.
 If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in
water flow and for a change from clear to muddy water. Such changes may indicate
 landslide activity upstream, so be prepared to move quickly. Don't delay! Save yourself,
not your belongings.
 Be especially alert when driving. Bridges may be washed out, and culverts overtopped.
Do not cross flooding streams. Embankments along roadsides are particularly
susceptible to landslides. Watch the road for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and
other indications of possible debris flows.
 Be aware that strong shaking from earthquakes can induce or intensify the effects of
landslides.

What to do if you suspect imminent landslide danger

 Contact your local fire, police, or public works department. Local officials are the best
persons able to assess potential danger.
 Inform affected neighbors. Your neighbors may not be aware of potential hazards.
Advising them of a potential threat may help save lives. Help neighbors who may need
assistance to evacuate.
 Evacuate. Getting out of the path of a landslide or debris flow is your best protection.
 Curl into a tight ball and protect your head if escape is not possible.

What to do AFTER a Landslide

 Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides.
 Listen to local radio or television stations for the latest emergency information.
 Watch for flooding, which may occur after a landslide or debris flow. Floods sometimes
follow landslides and debris flows because they may both be started by the same event.
 Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide
area. Direct rescuers to their locations.
 Help a neighbor who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people, and people
with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional
assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional
assistance in emergency situations.
 Look for and report broken utility lines and damaged roadways and railways to
appropriate authorities. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as
quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury.

 Check the building foundation, chimney, and surrounding land for damage. Damage to
foundations, chimneys, or surrounding land may help you assess the safety of the area.
 Replant damaged ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground
cover can lead to flash flooding and additional landslides in the near future.
 Seek advice from a geotechnical expert for evaluating landslide hazards or
designing corrective techniques to reduce landslide risk. A professional will be able to
advise you of the best ways to prevent or reduce landslide risk, without creating further
hazard.
Signs of Impending Rainfall-Induced Landslide

Sometimes, it is difficult to recognize a landslide until the land itself starts to move. However,
by this stage, it may already be too late to evacuate or reach a safe area. So, the following are
needed to be observe to know when there is an incoming landslide:

1. New cracks or bulges in the ground, on pavements or floors.

2. Soil moving away from foundations;

3. Telephone poles, trees, retaining walls or fences leaning at odd angles;

4. Decks and patios tilting towards the main house:

5. A rapid increase in turbidity of water in rivers, creeks or other natural water sources;
and;

6. A rumbling sound that increases in volume (particularly noticeable as the landslide

nears).

B. Sinkhole

The term sinkhole is derived from an evolution process and different terms are also used to
describe the phenomenon. It could be described as a sink, swallow hole or cenote. It can also
be defined as a closed depression where water sinks into the ground or an open hole where
stream sinks. Sinkholes can be natural or man-made.

Types of Sinkholes

a. Solution Sinkhole – this is the most commonly seen in areas that have a very thin cover
of soil on the surface, exposing the bedrock below to continual erosion by water.

b. Cover Collapse Sinkhole – these take place when the bedrock is covered by a deep layer
of soil and earth. Once the bedrock begins to get eroded, crack start forming in the
rocky areas around it. The cover collapse usually happens in a sudden manner and can
create large holes in a matter of minutes.

c. Cover Subsidence Sinkhole – the hole is formed over a period of time. The bedrock here
is covered by soil and material which are not well-knitted together. Areas that have soil
comprising largely of clay or sand often face the occurrence of this hole.
Causes of Sinkholes

a. Water dissolved minerals in the rock, leaving residue and open spaces within the rock.
(This is called "weathering".)

b. Decline of water levels - drought, groundwater pumping (wells, quarries, mines)

c. Disturbance of the soil - digging through soil layers, soil removal, drilling

d. Point-source of water - leaking water/sewer pipes, injection of water

e. Concentration of water flow - storm water drains, swales, etc.

f. Heavy loads on the surface - structures, equipment.

g. Due to lead to underground drains and sewer systems.

Effects of Sinkholes

a. It can change the general topography of the area.

b. It divert streams of underground water.

c. It can cause a lot of damage to human life and property.

Some Sinkholes Incidents in the Philippines

1. Sinkhole in Bantayan Island and Badian, Cebu

2. Sinkhole in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental

3. Baguio City sinkholes

4. Sinkhole in Bohol

5. Mysterious Underwater sinkhole of Dadiangas, GenSan

In case of Sinkhole we must:

 Be Informed

 Prepare a Disaster Survival Bag

 Better Safe than Sorry

  Be on the Lookout

Signs of Sinkhole Formation

Signs of sinkholes can vary depending on type sinkhole. The following are indicators of
sinkhole activity that maybe present at your property:

 Cracking of the exterior walls

 Cracking in exterior porches, decks, sidewalk or driveways

 Cracking around in-ground pools or pool decks.

 Separation of the foundations from the soil

 Separation of the walls from the floor or ceiling.

 Tilting, un-levelling or sinking of the floor

 Unexplained or unusual water stains on the floor, walls or ceiling.

 Slanting of trees of landscaping or fence posts or a noticeable change to anything affixed

to the ground.

Mitigation Strategies to Prevent Loss of Lives and Properties

 Restricting Development in Landslide-prone Areas

 Codes for Excavation, Construction and Grading codes

 Protecting Existing Development

 Monitoring and Warning System

 Landslide insurance and compensation for losses

Geological Maps

 A geologic map or geological map is made to show geological features of a country.

 Rock units or geologic strata are shown by color or symbols to indicate where they are
exposed at the surface.

 Geologic maps are the primary source of information for various aspects of land-use
planning, including the siting of buildings and transportation systems.
Other Geological Hazards

 Flood Hazards

 Rock fall Hazards

 Open Earth Fissure

 Inundation

 Erosion

 Snow Avalanches