Module 6

Prepared by: Group 3

TOPICS
What is rainfall-induced geological hazard? 01

Types of rainfall-induced geological hazard 02

Signs of impending Landslides or Sinkholes 03

Scientific tools for assessing Landslides and

Sinkholes 04

Precautionary measures in case of Landslides or

05
Sinkholes
What is rainfall-induced
geological hazard?
Aside from earthquakes and volcanic
eruptions, there are geologic conditions
that may pose a hazard to lives and
properties when exposed to heavy or
prolonged rain.

There are two common types of this

geological hazard. this includes
landslides and sinkholes.
LANDSLIDES
also called "landslip," is a ground movement on
a sloping terrain. Because of the angle on the
ground, gravity induces the land to move
downward.
Can be induced further or aggravated by rain.
Water is a natural agent for erosion and if rain
or any source of water frequently flows down a
sloping area, the gravitational descent of
loosened soil makes it possible for landslide to
occur.
Areas with tropical climates such as the
Philippines experience prolonged rains
especially during the wet season.
LANDSLIDES
A high vulnerability to rainfall-induced landslide
hazard is characterized by areas with steep
slope, dense population, and denuded ground.
Prolonged or frequent rain can saturate the
topsoil and bedrock, making the soil foundation
of buildings or structure weak.
Without plants and trees whose roots can
absorb water and hold the soil together,
subsequent rainwater can continue to loosen
up the soil that anchor the buildings. Eventually,
a heavy downpour of rain can quickly destroy
these buildings and communities, giving way to
landslides, mudslides, or mudflows.
SINKHOLE
Sinkholes are depressions or holes on the ground
that resulted from the collapse of the surface
layer of the soil. Sinkholes occur in areas where
the soil foundation made of soft minerals and
rocks such as limestone, salt beds, or any acidic
rocks. The rocks can be weakened further by
frequent submersion in water, such as when there
is repeated rainfall or an unmanaged flood. The
rocks dissolve in water and gradually weaken,
carving and forming spaces and underground
passages for water. When the spaces
underground become bigger and the layer of
bedrock above it can no longer support the weight
above it, a sudden collapse of the land surface
dramatically takes place .
SINKHOLE
Signs of impending
Landslides or Sinkholes
Signs of impending
Landslides or Sinkholes

Signs of impending Landslides or Sinkholes are visible in

areas where there are buildings, bridges, roads,
stationary objects, inland water bodies, or vegetation
 Sign of impending
Landslides

1. Springs, water seepage, or

water saturated grounds in
areas that are not typically wet.
 Sign of impending
Landslides

2. Soil that loosens and moves

away from foundations.
 Sign of impending
Landslides

3. New cracks or unusual

bulges on cemented grounds or
walls.
Sign of impending
Landslides

4. Underground utility lines that

are broken due to vibrations or
tremors from the surface of the
ground.
 Sign of impending
Landslides

5. Buildings, poles, walls, and

fences that are leaning.
 Sign of impending
Landslides

6. Sudden rapid flow or creek

waters carrying more silted
water.
Sign of
impending 1. A groundwater that
Sinkholes does not provide the
same amount and
quality as before or
has become cloudy,
acidic, silted or soiled.
Sign of
impending 2. Sign post or poles
Sinkholes are suddenly leaning,
slumping, sagging,
slanting or bent.
Sign of
impending 3. Ponds that have
Sinkholes recently formed or
puddles that grow or
have never
disappeared.
Scientific tools for
Assessing Landslides
and Sinkholes
In some cases, the vulnerability of an area to landslides or
sinkholes can be measured and validated more accurately
through scientific instruments...
ABNEY LEVEL
Scientific tool for Landslides

For Landslides. In areas that are

susceptible to landslides, an Abney
level or a Laser rangefinder equipped
with a tiltmeter is used to measure the
slope angle, soil compaction, and soil
strength of an area. The data
determine the level of risk to
LASER RANGEFINDER
landslides. The same data can also be
used for future terrain alterations or
guide to urban planners to plan a
safer structural development in any
area.
Scientific tool for Sinkholes
Sinkholes are validated using ground-
penetrating radar (GPR) to provide
images of subsurface ground. It can
detect the type of objects, changes in
material, and voids and cracks under
a layer of soil. The measurement can
reach up to 15 meters. This is why the
GPR is a good tool in determining
whether sinkholes may occur or not
because of the relatively accurate
determination of the soft ground
underlying the ground surface.
Precautionary
measures in case of
Landslides or
Sinkholes
 Here are the things that you can do if you are in prone
Landslides to Landslides:

Plant more trees, grasses, and other vegetation to

prevent erosion and compaction of the soil.
Build channels for the diversion of mudflow to direct the
flow away from your property. Make sure though that
the diversion does not affect any neighbor or any
property and/or cause more significant damage as a
result .
Do not build your house on or near steep slopes,
mountain edges, drainages, or natural erosion valleys.
 Here's what to do before a Landslide:

Landslides Be familiar with your surroundings. Watch for any changes in

appearance or positions of these objects . When there is a
sudden debris flow, this could be a good indicator of an
incoming landslide.
Avoid open storm-water drainage and runoff as these areas
are likely to receive debris and soil from higher elevations,
especially when there is a storm or heavy rainfall.
Be updated on news regarding the condition of your area. Be
aware of the disaster plans of your local government.
Learn and participate in emergency response and evacuation
plans for your community.
 What to do during a Landslide?

Landslides Be attentive to unusual sounds such as cracking objects,

moving debris, and rolling boulders.
Stay away from the path of debris. This is more dangerous if
mudflow occurs because it increases in strength as it meets
more water from ponds or streams and it could be aggravated
by heavy rains. •
Stay on an elevated and sturdy area. Avoid low-lying areas
and steep slopes.
If escape is not possible, curl into a tight ball and protect your
head. Find a structure that can serve to protect you from the
flow of debris.
 What to do after a Landslide?
Landslides
Avoid the slide area. There is still danger of more landslide.
Listen for the latest emergency information. Follow warnings
and instructions by the local government.
If the landslide is caused by rainfall, watch out for flooding as
it will follow the same path taken by the debris flow.
Check for injured or trapped people near the slide, and for
damaged structures and other potential hazards. Report these
immediately to the rescuers or authorities.
 If sinkholes were not detected earlier and it appears
Sinkholes suddenly, do the following:

Find refuge in a stable ground or open area.

Wait until the structures on and around the sinkhole stops
moving. Do not attempt to go back and retrieve your
belongings.
Wait for the local government's announcement when it is
safe to go back.
 Here's what to do after a Sinkhole's appearance:
Sinkholes
Stay away from the sinkhole.
Monitor the damage to objects.
Do not throw anything into the sinkhole. Anything thrown
into may contaminate the groundwater.
Secure whatever left of your properties and relocate safe
grounds, preferably far from this location because the same
bedrock or soil profile may characterize the vicinities of the
sinkholes.