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Landslides are occurrences of movement of land, rocks, or other materials in large quantities suddenly or gradually, which generally occur in steep and unstable areas. The main cause of landslides is gravity, but the size of the volume is influenced by various natural and human factors.

Natural factors include: 1) geological conditions, namely weathered rock, soil slope, the element or type of soil layer, earthquakes, volcanoes, and others; 2) climatic conditions, namely high rainfall; 3) topographic conditions, namely the slope of the land surface such as valleys, slopes and hills; 4) water system conditions, namely accumulated volume or mass of water, dissolution and hydrostatic pressure, and others.

Human factors include various activities that can affect landslides. For example, cutting cliffs in mining on steep slopes, failure of soil retaining wall structures, deforestation, cultivation of fish ponds on slopes, agricultural systems that do not pay attention to safe irrigation, development of areas that violate spatial regulations, poor drainage systems, and others. -other.

Let us know more about the landslide disasters that often hit Indonesia with various information from the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI).

As a result of landslides

Materials carried by landslides can be in the form of soil, rocks, mud, garbage, and others. The speed varies, some are slow, some reach tens of kilometers per hour. Therefore, the impact of landslides can also harm humanity and economically. Landslides and the materials they carry can make us lose property, shelter, and claim lives.

On January 1, 2006, landslides hit six sub-districts in Jember district, East Java. As a result of the landslide, 90 people died, 28 people were injured and 7,644 people were forced to evacuate because 75 houses were destroyed, 35 houses were severely damaged, and 285 houses were slightly damaged.

What should we do when a landslide occurs?

1. Before landslides occur

If the area where you live has experienced landslides, chances are that your area has the potential to be crossed again by landslides. Here's what to do before a landslide occurs:

• Map the area where you live and its surroundings. Then mark any areas where landslides often occur or have the potential for landslides. This map or plan will help us determine where the safe and dangerous points are. Share this map with your family and residents in the area where you live.
• Take steps to reduce the risk of landslides, for example carrying out tree planting movements on slopes that are prone to landslides.
• Learn the signs of landslides. Usually landslides occur after continuous heavy rains. Beware of the color of the river water turning cloudy. Likewise, if seepage, springs, or cracks appear extending in the ground. Before landslides, there is sometimes ground debris, rocks, or branches.
• People living in areas prone to landslides must take turns patrolling. Landslides that occurred at night claimed more lives, because people did not have time to save themselves while they were asleep.
• If you see signs of landslides, then consider evacuating to a safer place.

2. When an avalanche occurs

There is not much that can be done when a landslide occurs. The most important thing is to stay calm and immediately move to a safe place from the landslide path. If possible, help others who are weak, such as people who are sick, toddlers, and the elderly. Stay in a protected place until the situation is completely safe. Contact parties related to disaster management, for example PMI, Satlak PB (Disaster Management Unit), police, and others.

3. After a landslide

If you survive a landslide disaster, here are some actions you should take:

• Contact the local government, PMI, the police, or other organizations if there is no help.
• Stay in a safe area. Follow any calls from government or officials to stay in a safe place. Do not return home if things have not been established as safe.
• If able, help families, seniors, people with disabilities, and children. Ask the officer to find family or other people who have not been found. Avalanches can leave them trapped or injured and unable to move to safety.
• Landslides can sometimes bury entire villages. The government and communities usually relocate the village. Stay optimistic to be able to build a new life. Give encouragement and confidence to your family and those around you.