BAGUIO PATRIOTIC HIGH SCHOOL

#21 Harrison Road, Baguio City

Senior High School Department

School Year 2020-2021

DRRR 11 & 12
LEARNING MODULE
Living Things and Their Environment

Week 11—01-05 February 2021

Week 12—08-12 February 2021

Prepared by:

RYAN A. BERSAMIN

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 Learning Module in DRRR 11 & 12

DATE TOPICS

Week 11 Checking and Evaluation of Third Long Assessment

01-05 February 2021

Week 12 Lesson 2: Signs of Impending Landslides and Sinkholes

0-12 February 2021 Reference Book: Oliva, Mylene D. G., Disaster Readiness
and Risk Reduction, (DIWA Textbooks, 2019), pages 62-70
Amadore, Leoncio A. et al, Disaster Risk Reduction for the
Youth, (Selesiana Books by Don Bosco Press, Inc., 2017),
pages 69-81
Other References:
 https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/sinkholes?qt-
science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects
 https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/My-Water/Sinkholes/Pages/What-causes-a-
sinkhole.aspx#::

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Most Essential Learning Competencies: At the end of this module, each learner
should be able to:
 Recognize common signs of an impending landslide and sinkhole.
 Explain the mechanism underlying each of the common signs.

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Values:
 Discipline in accomplishing this module and in following scientific process in
investigating situations.
 Creativity and critical thinking in performing assigned task.

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 Week 11
Checking and Evaluation of Third Long Assessment

Week 12—Days 1-2

Lesson 2: Signs of Impending Landslides and Sinkholes
Signs of impending landslides and sinkholes are visible in
areas where there are buildings, bridges, roads, stationary objects, inland
water bodies, or vegetation.

Warning Signs of an
Impending Landslide

 Bulging ground appearing at

the base of a slope or retaining
wall, which indicates increasing
water pressure. The water
needs to be drained.
 Water breaking above the
ground surface in areas near a
slope, that is called ponding. It
indicates water from above and
at the foot of the slope is not
flowing along proper channels
and pools in unexpected areas.
 Water appearing at the base of
a slope also indicates ponding.
 Fences, retaining walls, utility poles or trees tilting or shifting from their original
positions are signs of ground movement. It can move very slowly and is
classified as a form of slope failure, called a creep.
 Cracks on a slope occurs with creeps. It is a horizontal crack that appears at the
top of a slope where parts of the soil and rock layer break away from the main
slope, also known as a tension crack.
 Water pipes breaking on the slope or at its base. As water is the culprit of many
slope failures and landslides, any suspected water line breakages should be
reported.
 Signs around a property could also be an indication of potential slope failure:
 Cracks appear on the ground or in the foundation of houses, buildings and
other structures. However, cracks sometimes develop due to reasons not related
to slope movement so look around for other tell-tale signs.
 Structures on slopes moving away from its original position due to creep.
 Doors or windows jam for the first time as the frames are misaligned after
movement of ground under the house.
 Other signs that one should look out for while out and about are:
 Collapsed pavement, fallen rocks and earth, land movement and mudflow are
among the indications that may lead to larger trouble later.
 Sunken or down-dropped road beds can indicate ground movement.
 Widening cracks appear on the ground or on paved areas such as streets or
driveways.
 Outside walls, walkways or stairs begin pulling away from a building.
For landslides, here are
signs of an imminent danger:

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  Springs, water seepage, or water saturated grounds in areas that are not
typically wet.
 Soil that loosen and moves away from foundations
 New cracks or unusual bulges on cemented ground or walls
 Underground utility lines that are broken due to vibrations or tremors from the
surface of the ground
 Buildings, poles, walls, and fences that are learning
 Sudden rapid flow of creek waters carrying more silted water
 For sinkholes, there are signs of an imminent danger in groundwater that does
not provide the same amount and quality as before or has become cloudy,
acidic, silted, or soiled.
 Sign posts or pole that are suddenly leaning, slumping, sagging, slanting, or
bent
 Ponds that have recently formed or puddles that grow or have never disappeared

Warning Signs of an
Impending Sinkhole
Since this all happens
underground, it can be hard
to spot a potential sinkhole.
This is especially true since
some sinkholes provide no
surface expressions (or
evidence on the surface)
However, many sinkholes do
show surface expressions
beforehand—which you can
use to avoid potential danger.
Here are the most common
signs a sinkhole may appear:
 A round circular depression in the earth. Before the ceiling of a void collapses
completely, it tends to droop or depress. These depressions usually have a
circular shape.  
 Localized subsidence or depression anywhere on the property. In other words,
an area that has dropped down relative to the surrounding land.
 A circular lake (or a large, deep puddle). This can be indicative of a sinkhole that
has opened up and been filled with water.
 A foundation settling. If part of the structure starts dropping down and
cracking, this could be a sign of a sinkhole forming under a house or building.
Cracking in your foundation could also be the result of expanding clay. To be
sure that your foundation is at proper levels, measure the thickness of your
foundation and how far beneath the surface it goes. Compare your
measurements against your local building codes. If your foundation is below the
level specified in your building code, you may want to employ some of
geophysical tests to be sure.
 Cracks in roads or pavement. Crocodile cracks (or Alligator cracks, if you prefer)
in asphalt and pavement can appear for several reasons. One reason could be
that there are issues developing in the subgrade.
 A sudden drop of well water levels on a site. This is good to check out even when
there’s no surface expression. A drop in well levels could indicate a sinkhole
opening up and changing the water table beneath the site.
 Rainwater disappearing into ground openings. A small opening in the ground
that rainwater seems to disappear into could mean it’s entering an underground
void.

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 Lesson 3: Precautionary Measure in Case of a Landslide
or a Sinkholes
Vulnerability and exposure to geohazards is determined and
validated through scientific tools, visible signs, and maps, communities
are advised to take precautionary measure to prevent unnecessary
damage to lives and properties.

Landslides
if your area is prone to landslide:
 Plant more trees, grasses, and other vegetation to prevent erosion and for
compaction of soil.
 Build channels for diversion of mudflow or debris flow to direct the flow away
from your property. Make sure though that diversion does not affect any
neighbor or any property and/or cause more significant damage as a result.
 Do not build your house on or near steep slopes, mountain edges, drainages, or
natural erosion valleys.

Before a Landslide
 Be familiar with your surroundings. Watch for any changes in appearance or
positions of these objects. When there is a sudden debris flow, this could a good
indicator of an incoming landslide.
 Avoid open storm-water drainage and runoff as these areas are likely to receive
debris and soil from higher elevations, especially when there is a storm or heavy
rainfall.
 Be updated on news regarding the condition of your area. Be aware of the
disaster plans of your local government.
 Learn and participate in emergency response and evacuation plans for your
community.

During a Landslide
 Be attentive to unusual such as cracking objects, moving debris, and rolling
boulders.
 Stay away from the path of debris. This is more dangerous if mudflow occurs
because it increases in strength as it meets more water from ponds or streams
and it could be aggravated by heavy rain.
 Stay on an elevated and sturdy area. Avoid low-lying areas and steep slopes.
 If escaping is not possible, curl into a tight ball and protect your head. Find a
structure that can serve to protect you from the flow of debris.

After a Landslide
 Avoid the area. There is still danger of more landslides.
 Listen for the latest emergency information. Follow warnings and instruction by
the local government.
 If the landslide is caused by rainfall, watch out for flooding as it will follow the
same path taken by the debris flow.
 Check for injured or trapped people near the slide, and flooding as it will follow
and other potential hazards. Report these immediately to the rescuers or
authorities.

Sinkholes
If sinkholes are not detected earlier and it appears suddenly, do the following:
 Find refuge in a stable ground or open area.
 Wait until the structures on and around the sinkhole stops moving. Do not
attempt to go back and retrieve your belongings.
 Wait for the local government’s announcement when it is safe to go back.

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After a Sinkhole’s Appearance
 Stay away from the sinkhole.
 Monitor the damages on objects. For example, If the crack gets longer or wider
the sinkhole may still ne enlarge.
 Do not throw anything into the sinkhole. Anything thrown into it may
contaminate the groundwater.
 Secure whatever is left of your properties and relocate to safe grounds,
preferably far from this location because the same bedrock or soil profile may
characterize the vicinities of the sinkhole.

Reflection
What escape plan can you make if you live on a landslide-pone area? How
about on a sinkhole-prone area?
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Post-Test
Let’s Check What You’ve Learned!
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Name: _________________________________________ Year/Sec: _________________
Activity 1
Landslides and Sinkholes
I MULTIPLE CHOICE: Carefully read the following items and encircle the letter
of the best answer. (10 points)
1. Water can encourage mass flow by __________.
A. reducing friction between grains B. weathering bedrock to clay minerals
C. weakening of a steep slope D. all of the above
2. Improving and cultivating the vegetation in a slope area, prevent landslide, what
effect does plant roots provide?
A. soil erosion B. soil cohesion
C. soil compaction D. flooding
3. Which of the following does not promote mass movement?
A. steep slopes B. forest fires
C. heavy rainfall D. all of the above promote mass movement

4. Which of the following can trigger a landslide?

A. an earthquake
B. removal of material from the base of a slope
C. a heavy rainstorm
D. all of these
5. Which is the BEST way you can help prepare for natural disasters?

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 A. Watch your pets for any unusual behavior.
B. Make an emergency supply kit with your family.
C. Always carry a pint of water with you.
D. Keep the windows of your house closed at all times.
6. Which is a sign of an impending landslide?
A. Utility posts, trees, gates and walls of buildings tilt.
B. Utility lines underground breaks
C. Bulging ground appears.
D. All of these.
7. Which of the following is NOT a factor in which a landslide might form?
A. Removing vegetation for a housing development
B. Living in a nipa hut
C. Fire that burns vegetation on a slope
D. Heavy rains
8. Which of the following is not a sign of a possible landslide.
A. Spring, water seepages, or water saturated grounds in areas that are not
typically wet
B. Ne cracks or unusual bulges on cemented ground or walls
C. Soil that loosens and moves away from foundations
D. Two full moons two nights in a row
9. Which of the following are warning signs that a sinkhole may be forming?
A. Discolored water
B. Wilting vegetation
C. Structural cracks in walls or floors
D. All of the above
10. Sinkholes are depressions in Earth’s surface caused by what kind of natural
processes?
A. karst B. landslide C. volcanoes D. tsunami

DRRR 11 & 12 Module 5 Answer Key

BAGUIO PATRIOTIC HIGH SCHOOL

#21 Harrison Road, Baguio City
Senior High School Department
SY 2020-2021

Post-Test
A B C D A B C D

1. [ ] [x] [ ] [ ] 6. [ ] [ ] [ ] [x]

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4. [ ] [ ] [ ] [x] 9. [ ] [ ] [ ] [x]

5. [ ] [ ] [ ] [x] 10. [x] [ ] [ ] [ ]

A B C D

11. [ ] [x] [ ] [ ]

12. [ ] [x] [ ] [ ]

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15. [ ] [ ] [ ] [x]

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