Landslides: Emergency Preparedness and Recovery

Posted by Carolyn Martin on February 19th, 2026 Posted in: Emergency Preparedness
Tags: disaster preparedness, emergency preparedness, landslides

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Landslides are a significant natural hazard that impacts communities across the western United States. Often occurring suddenly after heavy rainfall, earthquakes, or volcanic activity, landslides can cause destruction, disrupt infrastructure, and pose serious risks to public health. For instance, the 2014 Oso landslide in Washington State destroyed an entire neighborhood, blocked key roads, and caused 43 fatalities. Health educators, public health professionals, and librarians play a vital role in raising awareness and equipping communities with the knowledge to prepare for and respond to such events. This post draws on government sources to share practical steps individuals and communities can take for landslide preparedness, mitigation, and recovery.

What Are Landslides and How Do They Affect Communities?

Landslides occur when the ground gives way, often prompted by triggers like heavy rain pouring down, shaking from earthquakes, or lands cleared during construction. Residents might notice unusual signs such as water gushing unexpectedly from the ground, trees leaning oddly, or cracks appearing in their driveways or roads. These are everyday clues that a landslide might be imminent.

The impacts of landslides can include:

• Fatalities and injuries caused by collapsing buildings, buried roads, and flying debris.
• Disruption of critical infrastructure, including power, water, and emergency services.
• Increased risk of infectious diseases due to contaminated water and damaged sanitation systems.
• Mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder after a landslide event.

Community Strategies for Landslide Preparedness

Collaborative preparation between community organizations, public health departments, and state and local governments can position their communities to respond quickly and effectively to landslide threats. Communities can improve their resilience to landslides by:

• Developing community evacuation plans that identify safe routes and shelters.
• Promoting education campaigns that teach residents to recognize early warning signs, such as cracks in the ground or tilting trees.
• Coordinating emergency response efforts with utilities, public health departments, and emergency managers for rapid deployment of aid.
• Encouraging vegetation planting and land use practices that stabilize soil and reduce the likelihood of landslides.

Libraries and local government agencies can help by sharing hazard maps, holding workshops, and distributing educational materials focused on landslide risk reduction and safety.

Preparing at Home and Individually

Individuals and families can lower their landslide risk through practical actions such as:

• Avoiding construction on steep slopes or recently burned areas prone to landslides.
• Installing retaining walls and ensuring proper drainage to direct runoff away from structures.
• Building an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, medication, and a battery-powered radio.
• Familiarizing themselves with evacuation routes and recognizing warning signs, such as unusual sounds or shifting soil.
• Staying informed through local alerts and following guidance from emergency services during heavy rainfall or earthquakes.

Post-Landslide Recovery and Mental Health

After a landslide, community recovery requires attention to both physical rebuilding and mental health support:

• Clearing debris and restoring infrastructure safely.
• Providing access to clean water and health care services.
• Offering mental health resources, including counseling and support groups, to help survivors cope with trauma, loss, and stress.
• Libraries and community centers can serve as safe spaces for sharing information, offering emotional support, and facilitating reunification.

Building a Landslide-Ready Community

Creating community resilience involves ongoing education, strong partnerships, and clear communication. Important community actions include:

• Documenting and learning from past landslide events to improve planning.
• Developing formal public communication systems to share risk assessments and emergency alerts.
• Hosting regular preparedness events through libraries and civic organizations.
• Coordinating emergency responses with regional agencies.
• Engaging community members to participate actively in risk reduction and preparedness.

By fostering strong networks and using accurate government information, communities can reduce landslide impacts and protect public health.

Landslides pose significant risks to western U.S. communities, but informed planning, coordinated action, and widespread education can save lives and mitigate health impacts. Public health professionals, educators, and libraries play a crucial role in strengthening community preparedness and resilience before, during, and after landslide disasters.

Take action today: Share these resources, discuss preparedness with your neighbors, or connect with local organizations to help make your community landslide-ready.

Resources

1. U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Landslide Hazards Program
   Provides detailed information on landslide science, hazards, safety tips, and maps for risk assessment.
2. Ready.gov Landslides and Debris Flow
   Offers practical guidance on preparing for, responding to, and recovering from landslides and debris flow disasters.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Landslides and Mudslides
   Covers public health impacts of landslides and safety strategies for individuals and communities.
4. King County, Washington Landslide Emergency Preparedness
   A local government resource with detailed emergency preparedness steps and evacuation planning for landslides.
5. National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) – Landslide Information
   Though primarily focused on drought, the NDMC provides information on landslide risk related to soil conditions and water management.
6. Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Landslide Loss Reduction
   Focused on landslide risk mitigation and community preparedness in the San Francisco Bay Area with research and action guides.
7. California Geological Survey – Seismic and Landslide Hazard Zone Maps
   Provides maps and risk zones to assist with land-use planning and community awareness in California.
8. American Library Association (ALA) Disaster Preparedness & Response
   Offers guidance for libraries on disaster planning, including landslide preparedness and community education roles.

[this post was written by Kathryn Vela, Executive Director of NNLM Region 5]