Landslides occur when the ground on a slope becomes unstable, causing blocks of earth, mud, and rocks to begin sliding down. They can cause significant damage and are very difficult to predict.
Most landslides are triggered by natural forces or events, such as heavy rainfall or tremors from earthquakes.
The General Department of Disaster Prevention reports that signs of a landslide include prolonged heavy rain; the ground swelling; trees swaying; unusual sounds from the ground; cracks appearing in walls and slopes; leaning trees; and rivers and streams turning muddy…
Based on these observations, the General Department of Disaster Prevention indicates preventive measures against landslides. These include planting trees and protecting forests to minimize the risk of landslides; educating family members, especially children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, about necessary precautions; monitoring news reports on heavy and prolonged rainfall, and the high risk of landslides; and actively observing for signs of landslides and promptly reporting to local authorities.
Additionally, reinforce houses, temporary dikes, and clear waterways before the rainy season; proactively prepare food, drinking water, medicine, and first aid supplies, along with flashlights, hoes, shovels, and ropes; investigate whether landslides have occurred near your home; avoid building houses in areas prone to flash floods and landslides; and stay clear of riverbanks, streams, and steep slopes near roadways.
A corner of Ha Giang city submerged in water on the morning of June 10 (Photo: Tran Thanh).
What to do if you are in a landslide and flash flood warning area?
If you are in an area or locality experiencing heavy rainfall and a warning for flash floods and landslides, first, follow the local emergency response or evacuation plan.
If you suspect a landslide danger is imminent, evacuate immediately with your family and friends, and inform those around you. Then, contact local authorities or the police for guidance and assistance.
Pay attention to any unusual sounds in the area, as these could indicate soil or rock movement, such as the sound of breaking trees or rocks colliding. This could be a sign of an impending landslide.
If you are near a stream or canal, watch for any sudden increases or decreases in water flow and whether the water changes from clear to muddy.
Such changes may indicate debris flow activity upstream, and you need to move quickly out of that area.
New cracks appearing in walls, ceilings, tiles, or floors. An outer wall, sidewalk, or staircase that is not intact. Fences, retaining walls, utility poles, and trees leaning or moving… These could be signs of an impending landslide.
Especially if you are driving on mountain roads during heavy rain, you must be very vigilant, observing the road for signs of collapse, mud, rock falls, and other indicators of potential debris flow.
To prevent flash floods, do not park along riverbanks, streams, or canals or near waterways, and avoid areas prone to flooding, especially low-lying regions.
As soon as there is a flash flood warning, move people and property to the highest possible ground, staying away from flooded areas and fast-moving currents. Additionally, continuously monitor weather forecasts and news reports to stay updated on the situation and plan for safe actions.
