Signs of an Imminent Landslide: Know and Prepare in Advance
A massive landslide occurred in Sancheong, Gyeongnam on the 19th, burying several houses and resulting in casualties.
According to the Fire Agency's announcement, three residents died in the Naeri and Jigok areas of Sancheong-gun within a day, two others were found in cardiac arrest, and three individuals are still reported missing.
Back in March of this year, a large-scale wildfire broke out in the areas of Sicheon-myeon and Samjang-myeon in Sancheong-gun.
According to the National Institute of Forest Science, around 180 hectares of forest were lost to this wildfire, leaving behind bare soil and weakened roots on the surface.
The areas affected by the wildfire become more susceptible to rapid infiltration of rainwater.
This is due to the destruction of vegetation that weakens root structures, removing natural rainwater buffers such as leaves or moss layers.
The Forest Service has warned that in such areas, even rainfall of over 30mm per hour greatly increases the risk of landslides.
Last Saturday, the Sancheong region experienced concentrated rainfall of 90-100mm per hour, resulting in landslides in various locations.
11 Warning Signs of an Imminent Landslide
While landslides may seem to occur suddenly, numerous signs of warning manifest several hours to days prior to an incident.
The National Disaster Safety Portal and the Forest Service have provided the following 11 signs that may indicate an upcoming landslide:
1. Strange sounds like 'rumbling' or 'grumbling' can be heard from underground.
2. Trees appear to tilt or sway without any wind.
3. Dirty water suddenly pours out from the valley or drainage systems.
4. The ground rises or sinks in yards, roads, or embankments.
5. Rocks or boulders roll down on their own.
6. Cracks develop in the walls or embankments around houses.
7. Murky water mixed with soil flows back from drainage or stormwater pipes.
8. Standing water emits unusual earthy smells or underground odors.
9. The sound of groundwater is noticeably louder than usual or seems to echo.
10. Livestock suddenly show signs of distress, such as barking or anxious behavior.
11. Water, which previously drained well, starts pooling or flowing slowly.
The Forest Service emphasizes that if two or more signs are observed, immediate evacuation is necessary, and even if just one sign is detected, preparations for evacuation and sharing information among family members is crucial.
If two or more signs are observed, evacuate immediately.
Useful Apps and Information for Landslide Preparedness
Landslides are particularly hazardous during the early morning or pre-dawn hours.
Rainfall during sleep can weaken the ground, leading to collapse.
To prepare for this, the Forest Service operates the 'Smart Forest Disaster' mobile app.
This app provides information based on the user's location, including landslide forecasts, real-time risk maps, and locations of nearby shelters. The same information can also be found on the 'Landslide Information System' website (https://sansatai.forest.go.kr).
If you are currently living near mountain slopes, valleys, embankments, or cut slopes, it is vital to pay close attention to the sounds around you and any movements of the ground.
Landslides can be mitigated through early recognition of warning signs and prompt action.
Image source: On July 19th, residents went missing after a landslide caused by heavy rainfall buried houses in Buri village, Sancheong-eup, Sancheong-gun. The Gyeongnam Fire Department deployed excavators for rescue operations. By 3 PM on the same day, Sancheong recorded a daily rainfall of 600mm, leading to an evacuation order for all residents and a national fire mobilization order being issued. (Gyeongnam Fire Department, provided. Redistribution and database prohibition) 2025.7.19 / News1. On July 18th, at around 1:15 PM, heavy rainfall over two days led to a landslide near a residence in Saengyeon-dong, Dongducheon, Gyeonggi Province, causing an embankment to collapse. Water flooded the interior and exterior of the residence, but there were no casualties. Fire authorities, upon receiving reports, took safety measures including drainage work. (Gyeonggi Fire and Disaster Headquarters, provided) 2024.7.18 / News1. Forest Service Landslide Information System.
