DELHI PRIVATE SCHOOL, SHARJAH.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

CHAPTER 2. Specific Hazards and mitigation.

Mitigation strategies in case of Land slide.

Definition: Sliding masses of rock, earth and debris which move down of slopes or
river banks due to their own weight and the gravitational pull.

Onset type and warning. It occurs gradually. It could occur suddenly as a result of an
earthquake, heavy rainfall and volcanic eruption. There are no clear warning signs.
Areas of high risk could be determined by the use of information on previous occurrence,
study of the geology, hydrology and the vegetation cover of that area.

Element at risk.
1. Settlement built on the steep slopes, built at the base of the hill and the mouth of the
streams etc.
2. Buildings with weak foundation and soft soil.
3. Roads
4. Communication lines.
5. Buried utility lines

Typical effects.
Physical damage- Can block rivers and bury roads, building, farms and lines of
communication. Floods could occur due to blockage in the river course.
Casualties- They can cause maximum fatalities compare to other natural disasters, as it
can bury thousands of people alive depending upon the time and place.

Main mitigation strategies.

1. Hazard mapping will locate the areas prone to land slides and construction of
residential buildings should be avoided in these areas.
2. Preservation of natural vegetation covers (forest and grasslands) in good condition.
Naked slopes should be covered with vegetation. Natural drainage should be kept clear of
any debris.
3. Retaining walls can be built to stop land from slipping.
4. Surface drainage control work can control the movement of land slides by
controlling the flow of spring and rain water.
5. Engineering structures like buildings with strong and deep foundation can withstand
the landslides.
6. Increasing vegetation cover is the cheapest and most effective way of controlling the
land slides on the weaker slopes, as it binds the upper layer of the soil and controlled the
excessive run off.
Common factors triggering Land slides are Soft soil, young fold mountain regions,
areas with heavy rainfall, steep slopes, Earth quake prone areas.

MAJOR LAND SLIDES OF INDIA

Year Location Effects

1971 Alaknanda (uttranchal) Heavy rainfall and erosion of hill slopes
Known as alaknanda and caused damming of river and burst of
tradegy. banks involving loss of life, property and
disruption of communication.

1993 Ratighat (uttranchal) Nanital hill area remained cut off for about
a week and land slide followed heavy rains.
1993 Nilgiri Hills(Tamil Nadu) 40 people died and over 600 families
shifted to safer places.Road and houses
destroyed.