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Landslides - Ngā horo whenua
In a landslide, rock and soil move down a slope. Landslides can range in size from a single boulder in a rock fall to a very large avalanche of debris with lots of rock and soil that spreads across many kilometres. Landslides are a serious geological hazard in many parts of New Zealand.
What causes landslides?
Heavy rainfall or earthquakes can cause a landslide. Human activities, such as removal of trees and plants, steep roadside cuttings or leaking water pipes can also cause landslides.
New Zealand’s mountainous land, loose volcanic soil and frequent earthquake activity make landslides common in many parts of the country.
It’s important to recognise the warning signs of landslides and act quickly. Ask an adult at home to regularly check your property for:
- Small slips, rockfalls and sinking land at the bottom of slopes.
- Sticking doors and wall frames may mean the land is slowly moving under the house.
- Gaps where window frames are not fitting properly.
- Steps, decks, and verandas moving or tilting away from the rest of the house.
- New cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces.
- Tilting trees, retaining walls or fences.
Get ready for landslides
Make and practise your emergency plan with your family, and make sure you and your family each have a grab bag and emergency supplies.
If you see a landslide, move quickly out of its path and stay away from it. Make sure you tell an adult and ask them to evacuate if your home is in danger – take your grab bag and pets with you if you can.
Ask an adult to warn the neighbours if they can, and contact emergency services and your local council.
Ready for a quiz? Try the Landslides interactive activity.
Audio Māori keywords:
You could find out if and where there has been a landslide in your local area and what caused it.