LANDSLIDE

Landslide (landslip) – the downslope movement of mass of rock, debris, earth, or soil.
Landslides occur when gravitational and other types of shear stresses within a slope exceed
the shear strength of the materials that form the slope
Disintegrated and fragmented rock materials due to mechanism of weathering processes
(mechanical, chemical, biotic and biochemical) are called rockwastes.
Generally, movement of rockwaste block down the hillslope is called mass of rockwaste or
simply mass movement.
Mass movement is the detachment and downslope transport of soil and rock material under
the influence of gravity.
The sliding or flowing of these materials is due to their position and to gravitational force,
butmass movement is accelerated by the presence of water, ice and air'.
Mudflow, flow of water that contains large amounts of suspended particles and silt. It has a
higher density and viscosity than a streamflow and can deposit only the coarsest part of its
load; this causes irreversible sediment entrainment. Its high viscosity will not allow it to flow
as far as a water flow.
TYPES
1) Vertical movement
Falls – rockfall, earthfall, debris fall, topple (rolling soil)
Subsidence (ground sinking down)- collapse settlement
2) Lateral movement
Slides(horizontal) – block slide – big rock sliding down after lubricated by water
spreading
3) Diagonal movement
Creeping (slow downhill movement) – soil creep, rock creep, talus creep
Slide (rapid downhill movement) – rock slide, debris slide, soil creep
Flows (by water) – earthflow, slides, mudflow
CAUSES

 strong earthquake in fragile mountainous regions.

 volcanic eruption (explosive types),
 incessant heavy rainfall,
 quarrying at the base of hill slopes,
 road construction along unstable hillslopes,
 heavy snowfalls etc.
ADVERSE EFFECTS OF LANDSLIDES DISASTER
1. human casualties,
 2. damage to infrastructure,
3. damage to settlements, roads and railroads.
4. agricultural loss-loss of farms and crops,
5. silting of lakes, ponds and tanks, 6. damming of rivers and flash floods,
7. generate tsunami,
8. economic loss, etc.
MANAGEMENT
Pre – disaster
1) Preparedness
 geological surveys and mapping to identify areas prone to landslides based on
factors such as slope steepness, soil type, and land use.
 technologies like remote sensing and GIS mapping to assess landslide
 monitoring systems to detect changes in slope stability
 educational campaigns to raise awareness about landslide risks and training
sessions and workshops to educate communities
2) Mitigation
 reforestation and afforestation programs to stabilize slopes
 contour farming and terracing, to minimize surface runoff
 slope stabilization measures to reinforce vulnerable slopes and prevent soil
erosion.
 drainage systems to divert surface water away from slopes and reduce the
risk of landslides
 zoning regulations that restrict development in high-risk landslide areas
3) Prevention
 Preserve and restore natural ecosystems
 green infrastructure initiatives, such as green roofs
 Promote sustainable land use planning
 Encourage responsible land management practices, such as slope regrading
 community involvement in landslide prevention
Post – disaster
1) Relief
 search and rescue teams to locate and extricate individuals trapped in
landslide debris.
 trained personnel to conduct search and rescue operations in affected areas.
 temporary shelters and evacuation centres to provide emergency
accommodation
 humanitarian aid efforts to distribute food, water, medical supplies
2) Recovery
  rapid damage assessments to evaluate the extent of landslide damage
 Restore critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, utilities
 psychosocial support services and counseling to help individuals and
communities cope with the emotional and psychological impacts of
landslides.
 social cohesion through support groups
3) Rehabilition
 reconstruction plans that focus on rebuilding resilient communities
 livelihood support programs, vocational training, and income-generating
activities to help affected individuals and communities recover economically
 economic diversification and entrepreneurship initiatives to stimulate local
economies
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Disaster management refers to the systematic process of planning, organizing,
coordinating, and implementing measures to mitigate the impacts of natural or man-made
disasters. It involves various activities aimed at reducing the risks associated with
disasters, as well as effectively responding to and recovering from their effects. Disaster
management typically includes the following components:
1. Preparedness: This involves developing plans, procedures, and resources in advance to
respond effectively to potential disasters. Preparedness activities may include conducting
risk assessments, establishing early warning systems, training emergency response teams,
and stockpiling emergency supplies.

2. Mitigation: Mitigation efforts focus on reducing the vulnerability of communities and

infrastructure to disasters. This may involve implementing building codes and land-use
regulations, improving infrastructure resilience, and promoting sustainable development
practices.

3. Response: The response phase involves deploying emergency services and resources to
address the immediate needs of affected populations. Response activities may include
search and rescue operations, medical assistance, shelter provision, and damage
assessment.

4. Recovery: Recovery efforts aim to restore affected communities to pre-disaster conditions

and promote long-term resilience. Recovery activities may include rebuilding infrastructure,
providing financial assistance to individuals and businesses, restoring essential services, and
supporting psychosocial recovery.
5. Coordination: Effective disaster management requires coordination among various
government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders.
Coordination efforts ensure that resources are allocated efficiently, information is shared
effectively, and response activities are well-coordinated.
Overall, disaster management aims to minimize the loss of life, property, and livelihoods
caused by disasters, and to enhance the resilience of communities to future events. It is an
ongoing and collaborative process that involves proactive planning, robust response
mechanisms, and continuous efforts to build resilience at all levels of society.