The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) is calling on Victorians to brush up on their emergency response skills and know what to do in the case of a landslide.
The call follows multiple landslides across the State over the weekend, with VICSES called to assist with 16 separate landslide incidents.
Deputy Chief Officer at VICSES, Alistair Drayton said people could help their community by taking notice of the landscape around them and, if they saw a significant change, they should immediately contact the landowner, if the incident was on a private property; the road authority, if it was on a road; or local Government, if it was on public property.
“There are often no warnings for landslides, however, they may be triggered by other events such as earthquakes, heavy rain and flooding,” Mr Drayton said.
“If a landslide occurs and you are outside, the advice is to move away quickly and keep clear of embankments, trees, powerlines and poles,” he said.
“Landslide slopes can continue to move for hours to days afterwards, so it’s important to keep clear.”
Mr Drayton said people should also avoid damaged buildings; fallen trees and powerlines; blocked or damaged roads; and be aware of other hazards caused by the landslide.
The Deputy Chief Officer said roads may be closed due to dangerous driving conditions caused by landslides and communities may be isolated due to blocked or damaged roads.
He advised people to stay away from impacted areas to allow emergency services to help affected communities.
“Landslides can carry debris such as boulders and trees downhill, and cause serious damage to buildings,” he said.
“They can be extremely dangerous to anyone on or below the affected area,” Mr Drayton said.
Further information on what to do in response to a landslide can be accessed at this PS News link.
