Flash flood and Landslide safety information
What you need to know before, during and after flash floods and landslides.
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Flash floods and landslides can happen suddenly, especially in areas with heavy rain or steep terrain. Experiencing flash floods and landslides is devastating for anyone, especially for children and their families. If you live in an area at risk of flash floods or landslides, follow these expert tips to keep yourself and your family safe.
Facts about flash floods and landslides
What are flash floods and landslides?
Flash floods are dangerous natural events that typically occur in high mountainous areas with steep slopes, but can happen anywhere. They are usually caused by thunderstorms, tropical storms with prolonged heavy rainfall. Flash floods can also result from dam releases or the bursting of reservoirs.
Landslides refer to the movement of soil and rocks, where a layer of earth or fragments of loose soil and rocks simultaneously slide down a slope on a mountain or high hill.
Signs of flash floods and landslides
- Prolonged heavy rain, especially in upstream areas, or very intense rainfall within a few hours.
- The water in rivers and streams turns from clear to muddy.
- Unusual sounds like rocks colliding or trees breaking.
- Strange underground noises.
How to prepare for flash floods and landslides
Talk to your family about flash floods and landslides
Spend time together talking about flash flood and landslide risks with your family, explaining what causes them and how they occur. It is important to ensure that all family members are aware of the risks and know what to do when disaster strikes.
Practice your safety plan
- Find a safe evacuation route to take in the event of a flood and practice it with your family.
- Talk together about having a meeting point in case you get separated.
- Check with your child’s school and learn what the school’s plan is in case of a flash flood or landslide.
Know your risk
- Learn about the kind of flash floods and landslides that can take place in your community and local emergency contacts to reach out for help if one occurs.
- Always stay alert, especially during prolonged heavy rain, particularly at night. Heavy upstream rainfall can increase the risk of flash floods or landslides.
- If you notice signs of a flash flood or landslide, immediately inform local authorities and those around you so they can take timely precautions.
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast to be informed of any potential flooding and learn about your local alert system by researching who provides alerts, how they are broadcast and with how much notice. It is also important to know your home’s risk level.
What to do during a flash flood or landslide
Listen to local authorities
Tune in to your local news via radio, television, or online channels for weather updates and official advice.
Be ready to evacuate
If you are advised to evacuate, grab your emergency kit and ID papers immediately. If first responders have set up barricades, do not try to pass them. They have been set up to safely direct people around dangerous areas.
Avoid danger zones
Stay away from areas at risk of flash floods and/ or landslides. Avoid wading through rivers, streams, crossings, or spillways, and do not collect firewood or fish during heavy rains or when water levels are rising or there are unusual signs.
Update your loved ones
As soon as you are somewhere safe and communication channels are available, make sure to inform your other family members or those close to you.
What to do after a flash flood or landslide
Listen for updates
Monitor updates from local authorities and only return home when it is officially declared safe.
Look after your family's health
Contaminated water created by flooding poses many health risks to you and your family, such as water-borne illnesses like cholera and typhoid. Boil water from untreated sources for at least three minutes before use. Never drink contaminated water or eat contaminated food. If anyone in your family shows unusual symptoms or feels unwell, take them to a medical facility for timely examination and treatment.
Clean up safely
Wear protective gear while cleaning, including rubber gloves and boots.
Check the electrical system and devices before use. Do not touch wet, damp, or short-circuited outlets. Keep an eye out for hazards, such as debris and electrical wires.
As much as possible, limit your children’s participation in cleaning up. Before children and teens can safely return, any toys, clothing and living spaces should be cleaned and disinfected.
Comforting your children after a flash flood and landslide
Start the conversation and keep it open
- Make sure you provide your child with opportunities to talk about the flash flood or landslide. Encourage them to share any worries or feelings of fear or anxiety.
- Show them that you are listening carefully and care deeply about how they are feeling.
Provide reassurance
- Let them know that the flash flood or landslide and its aftermath are not permanent.
- Give your children reassuring affection by spending time together and provide lots of extra hugs.
Watch for signs of emotional distress
While many children will seem okay for a month or so following a disaster, the numbness can wear off and they can begin to show symptoms of trauma. Some ongoing anxiety is to be expected, but if it does not stop after a few weeks or if your child is experiencing more extreme symptoms, such as panic attacks or wanting to harm themselves or others, reach out to your family doctor or mental health professional immediately.
Practice calming exercises together
Deep belly breathing is very helpful and is something you can do together with your older children. If you have a younger child, you could make it into a game: every hour see how you can calm your mind and body down by slowing down your breath.
