Landslide disaster Management Upsc

Landslide

Landslide definition

A landslide is defined as the movement of a mass of rock debris down a slope. Landslides are caused by the direct influence of gravity. Landslides can be caused by rainfall, snowmelt, stream erosion, flood, earthquakes, volcanic activity, disturbance by human activities, or any combination of these factors.

Landslides cause property damage, injury, and death and adversely affect a variety of resources. For example, water supplies, fisheries, sewage disposal systems, forests, dams, and roadways can be affected.

Landslide meaning in Hindi is ‘bhooskhalan‘ (भूस्खलन).

Cause of Landslide

Landslide occurs when the gravitational and other shear stresses within a slope exceed the shear strength of the things that form the slope. This is caused naturally and is man-made. The cause of landslides in India are:

  • Deforestation – Cutting and clearing of trees from the forest, slopes, mountains, hills etc are said to be one of the main causes of Landslides in India.
  • Shifting Cultivation – Shifting cultivation is mostly practised in India, especially in the North and North Eastern states. This involves the clearing of trees and plants in hills. It is also an important reason behind landslides in India.
  • Mining Activities – Mining involves different operations which produce large amounts of vibrations. Activities such as blasting, and grinding of underground rocks create huge vibrations that reach several hundred and beyond and pose a threat and cause the risk of landslides.
  • Urbanisation – As per the latest studies, the urbanized areas are more prone to landslides caused by precipitation than the rural areas.

Types of Landslide

Landslide is classified into four types:

  • Falls and Toppling
  • Slides
  • Flows
  • Earthflow

During a Landslide

Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.

If you are near a river, 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.

Be alert especially when driving. Embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides.

Disconnect the power supply in the areas of the landslide.

After the Landslide

Stay away from the slide area. There may be a danger of additional slides, Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area.

Direct rescuers to their locations.

Listen to local radio or television for the latest emergency information Watch for flooding, which may occur after a landslide or debris flow.

References

  • https://www.mrd.gov.fj/images/Brochures/Types_of_Landslide.pdf
* * All the Notes in this blog, are referred from Tamil Nadu State Board Books and Samacheer Kalvi Books. Kindly check with the original Tamil Nadu state board books and Ncert Books.
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