Health tips after hurricanes

Landslides are more widespread than any other geological event, and can occur anywhere in the world. They occur when large masses of soil, rocks or debris move down a slope due to a natural phenomenon or human activity. Mudslides or debris flows are also a common type of fast-moving landslide.

Landslides can accompany heavy rains or follow droughts, earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. Areas most vulnerable to landslides include:

• steep terrain, including areas at the bottom of canyons;
• land previously burned by wildfires;
• land that has been modified due to human activity, such as deforestation or construction;
• channels along a stream or river;
• any area were surface runoff is directed or land is heavily saturated.