Landslides | ngā horo whenua

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A landslide happens when rock, soil, and debris suddenly move down a slope. They can be small, like a single falling rock, or huge, covering many kilometres with tons of earth. Landslides are a serious hazard in many parts of Aotearoa New Zealand.

What causes landslides?

Heavy or long-lasting rainfall that makes soil wet and unstable.
Earthquakes shaking the ground.
Human activities such as cutting down trees, digging steep slopes, or leaking water pipes.

Because New Zealand has lots of mountains, high rainfall, loose volcanic soil, and frequent earthquakes, landslides happen quite often here.

Landslides are a serious hazard in many parts of Aotearoa New Zealand. Image: LEARNZ.

^{Landslides are a serious hazard in many parts of Aotearoa New Zealand. Image: LEARNZ.}

Warning signs of landslides to watch for at home or in your neighbourhood:

Small slips or rockfalls at the bottom of slopes.
Doors and windows that stick or don’t close properly.
Cracks or bulges appearing in the ground, walls, or road surfaces.
Trees, fences, or retaining walls tilting or moving.

If you notice any of these signs, tell an adult right away.

If you notice warning signs of landslides, tell an adult right away. Image: LEARNZ.

^{If you notice warning signs of landslides, tell an adult right away. Image: LEARNZ.}

Getting ready for landslides

Make and practise your family emergency plan.
Prepare grab bags with emergency supplies for quick evacuation.
Know the safest routes to leave your home if a landslide happens.
Ask adults to check your property regularly for warning signs.
Neighbours can help warn each other and contact emergency services if a landslide occurs.

Warning signs of landslide hazards. Image: LEARNZ.