What to do in a landslide

A landslide is the movement of rock and soil down a slope. Landslides can vary in size from a single boulder in a rock fall to a large avalanche of debris with huge quantities of rock and soil that can be spread across several kilometres.  

Heavy rain, floods or earthquake shaking can cause a landslide. Human activity, such as removal of trees and vegetation, steep roadside cuttings or leaking water pipes can also cause landslides.

Before a landslide

Getting ready before a landslide will help reduce damage to your home and business and help you survive.

Find out from your council if there have been landslides in your area before and where they might occur again

Check for signs that the ground may be moving, which can include:  

• Small slips, rock falls and subsidence at the bottom of slopes
• Sticking doors and window frames
• Gaps where frames are not fitting properly
• Decks and verandas moving or tilting away from the rest of the house
• New cracks or bulges on the ground, road or footpath
• Leaning trees, retaining walls or fences
• Water springs, seeps or waterlogged ground in areas that are not usually wet  

If you think a landslide is about to happen you will need to know how to respond immediately:

• Evacuate and take your Getaway Kit with you.
• Take your pets with you and move livestock to safe paddocks if you can safely do so.
• Contact emergency services and your local council to inform them of the hazard.
• Warn neighbours who might be affected, help those who may need assistance to evacuate.

After a landslide

Keep in mind that further landslides may occur and do not return to a site that has been affected by a landslide until it has been properly inspected .

Take photographs and notes for insurance purposes when it is safe to do so.