Facing Landslide Risks: What Should You Prepare? Check This Article and Get Useful Insights for This Hazard!

As one of the disasters that brings significant impact to communities and the environment, landslides must be addressed wisely. Information related to this disaster is crucial so you can recognize its signs, take mitigation steps, and minimize-or even avoid the risk of losses, whether in property or safety.

By definition, a landslide is the movement of slope-forming materials such as rocks, debris, soil, and mixed materials, shifting downward or outward from the slope.

This event does not occur suddenly; it is the result of many preceding factors. Due to the severe impact and risks faced by communities living in areas with varied terrain, it is important to understand more about this natural disaster.

Read also: Can Insurance Help Calculate Home Renovation Costs?

Identifying the Causes of Landslides

Contrary to popular belief that landslides are only triggered by heavy rainfall with excessive water flow, the causes of this disaster stem from deeper factors. Some of them include:

• Unsuitable land use patterns: Landslides generally occur in areas that have undergone land-use changes, such as from forested areas to rice fields or plantations, which reduces the soil’s grip due to loss of vegetation.
• Weak rock conditions: Occurs when the soil contains small-sized rocks or sandy material due to weathering, reducing the soil’s ability to hold together.
• Loose and thin soil layers: These cannot absorb water optimally, making them unable to withstand natural loads that should be supported by the soil.
• Steep slopes: Formed due to erosion, increasing the load on the soil and requiring greater holding strength.
• Heavy rainfall: Acts as the final factor causing landslides by adding significant weight to soil that has already lost its optimal holding capacity.

Upon closer examination, heavy rain is just the final blow after other long-standing causes have developed, “executing” the potential disaster into real losses experienced by communities and the environment.

Impact on Homes and Residences: Severe Damage and Total Destruction

A house is a structure built on the ground, designed to withstand for a long time. However, when a landslide occurs, the strength of a house often means very little.

Why is that? Because the massive movement of soil will shake the foundation embedded in the ground. Combined with the large mass sliding across the surface and hitting the building, severe damage even destruction can be the worst outcome.

Of course, the extent of damage depends on the scale of the landslide. The larger the disaster, the greater the risk of destruction you must face.

The damage does not stop at homes and buildings; it can also extend to safety risks, economic losses, environmental impacts, and long-term disruptions to the ecosystem where you live.

Read also: Anticipate, Respond, and Clean Up After Flooded Homes-Ease the Burden with PT AXA Insurance Indonesia!

Recognize Early Warning Signs and Respond Wisely

When it comes to early signs before a landslide occurs, you can actually observe several natural indicators. Landslides do not happen suddenly due to one factor but rather a combination of environmental mismanagement over time.

The signs listed below should be addressed wisely using the right steps. The goal is simple: to avoid casualties and reduce losses caused by this natural disaster.

1. Signs of an Impending Landslide

Some key indicators include:

• Trees and utility poles around the house appear tilted, indicating soil movement affecting roots and foundations, and suggesting ground subsidence.
• Well water may appear cloudy due to sediment from lower soil layers entering the water system.
• Cracks appear in building walls and foundations, and progress over time signifying soil movement.
• Visible cracks on the ground surface and sunken spots, easily noticeable to the naked eye.
• Springs emerging from slope areas, indicating internal soil fractures creating new water flow paths.
• Sounds of cracking or shifting soil materials, which may come from breaking roots or rocks signaling ongoing soil movement.

2. Landslide Mitigation

Having responsive mitigation and handling measures will help you and others avoid safety risks and significant losses, especially concerning property like homes.

Important points to consider include:

• Always prepare an emergency evacuation bag containing essential items and supplies to survive while waiting for rescue teams.
• Avoid building homes or settlements at the base of slopes, as these areas are highly prone to landslides.
• Plant deep-rooted trees using proper methods to strengthen soil grip when its load increases.
• Maintain good slope drainage to prevent water from flowing from inside the slope outward.
• Ensure the presence of retaining structures, anchors, or pillars on slopes identified as landslide prone.
• Seal cracks at the top of slopes to prevent water from quickly seeping into the soil and adding weight.
• Build structures with strong foundations and piles if located in areas with unstable soil.

3. What Should You Do When Facing This Situation?

When a landslide occurs, there is little you can do. Besides preparing emergency bags and supplies for all family members, make sure not to panic.

Stay calm and immediately evacuate to a safer location that has been planned beforehand. Avoid your home or landslide-prone areas and follow evacuation routes if early warning systems issue alerts.

Help family members and others in need but always prioritize your own safety. Do not make reckless decisions that could increase risks or casualties.

Prioritize safety and never insist on staying in a house or building that shows signs of being unable to bear its load.

Identifying Landslide-Prone Areas

Losses and negative impacts caused by landslides can certainly be reduced by recognizing the characteristics of landslide-prone areas or regions that generally carry a high risk of this disaster.

To do this, you can observe at least seven types of areas that have such risks:

• Hilly, sloped, and mountainous regions with slopes steeper than 20 degrees.
• Areas with thick soil layers on slopes.
• Regions with poor water management and land-use systems.
• Bare slopes that have been deforested due to excessive logging.
• Areas with cracks at the top of cliffs.
• Regions with springs or water seepage on slopes.
• Slopes bearing excessive loads, which continue to increase with new constructions.

These areas are commonly found in various parts of Indonesia. However, by identifying landslide-prone zones, you can take the right steps if you must live in such areas.

Respond Wisely, Use Reliable Home Insurance

There are many ways to mitigate landslide risks. Clearly, avoiding landslide-prone areas is highly recommended. But if you must make a difficult choice, ensure your decision is supported by reliable Home Insurance.

SmartHome Insurance from PT AXA Insurance Indonesia is an excellent option for those who own homes in landslide-prone areas. This insurance provides coverage for property and belongings, so if damage or loss occurs resulting in financial harm, you will receive benefits according to the policy terms.

Ground subsidence or landslides are among the natural disasters covered by this home insurance product, helping reduce losses and alleviate post-disaster concerns.

Read also: Tips for Building Ideal and Earthquake-Safe Structures

The overview of landslides above is intended to be useful and informative for you. Always choose safe residential areas and protect your home with reliable insurance coverage, like the one offered by PT AXA Insurance Indonesia!

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