Here are clear, practical steps on what to do during a landslide , plus what to do just before and right after, written in a quick “survival guide” style.

This is general safety information, not a substitute for local emergency instructions. Always follow orders from authorities first.

Before a landslide (if you have a few minutes)

If you see warning signs (cracks in the ground, tilting trees, rumbling sounds, sudden water flow changes), act fast.

  • Move everyone to safer, higher ground away from slopes and ravines.
  • Grab only essentials: ID, phone, medications, small first‑aid kit, water, and a flashlight if reachable in seconds.
  • Turn off gas, electricity, and water at the main switches/valves if you can do so quickly and safely.
  • Warn neighbors and shout or knock on doors as you leave if time allows.
  • Take pets with you; do not leave them tied or caged near slopes.

During a landslide – if you are inside a building

Your goal is to protect yourself from debris and collapsing objects.

  • Stay inside unless you can clearly and safely move away from the flow path and uphill within seconds.
  • Move to the side of the building farthest from the slope if possible.
  • Take cover under sturdy furniture (solid table, desk, strong bed frame) and protect your head and neck with your arms, bag, or cushion.
  • Stay away from windows, doors facing the slope, and heavy objects (cupboards, fridges, cabinets) that could topple.
  • If debris starts entering the building and you cannot escape, curl into a tight ball, face down or sideways, and cover your head and neck.

If debris is about to burst in:

  • Open downhill doors or break downhill windows before debris hits, so material can escape rather than crush the wall, but only if you can do it without being swept into the flow.

During a landslide – if you are outside

Your priorities: get out of the flow path, go up , and protect your head.

  • Move perpendicular to the landslide’s path (sideways) and then go to the highest ground you can reach quickly.
  • Never try to outrun the flow downhill ; always go uphill or sideways to escape.
  • Avoid river channels, valleys, gullies, and road cuts where debris concentrates.
  • Do not shelter behind single trees, poles, or walls; they can be uprooted and pushed into you.

If you cannot escape in time:

  • Drop anything heavy that slows you down (bags, gear) but keep anything that can cushion your head if it is light.
  • Curl into a tight ball, with your back to the flow if possible, and protect your head and neck with your arms.
  • Try to stay on top of the moving debris by making swimming‑like motions if you are caught in it. (This is extremely difficult, but it can reduce burial depth.)

During a landslide – at night or in a vehicle

At night or in low visibility:

  • If you hear rumbling, cracking trees, or see fast‑moving mud or rocks, move immediately to higher ground; do not wait to “see” the slide.
  • Stay alert and awake if officials warn of landslide risk during heavy rain or after earthquakes.

In a vehicle:

  • Do not drive across an active landslide or over debris covering the road. The ground beneath may be gone.
  • Stop immediately in a safe spot, away from cliffs, steep slopes, bridges, and riverbanks.
  • If a slide is coming toward the road, leave the vehicle and run uphill or to the side, away from the projected path.

After a landslide – staying safe

Even after the main slide, the area is still dangerous.

  • Stay away from the slide area; secondary slides can occur minutes, hours, or days later.
  • Watch for flooding, as landslides can block rivers and create sudden floods or dam failures.
  • Avoid downed power lines, damaged poles, and exposed wires; report them to authorities.
  • Check yourself for injuries first, then help others if you can do so without putting yourself back in danger.
  • Do not move seriously injured people unless there is immediate danger (fire, more debris coming). Call emergency services.
  • Do not drink water from rivers, springs, or damaged systems unless it has been confirmed safe or properly treated.

If you are trapped under debris

Survival is still possible; your goal is to conserve energy and signal rescuers.

  • Try to create an air pocket around your face and chest using your arms and any available space.
  • Avoid shouting continuously; instead, tap on pipes, walls, or solid objects at intervals to make noise while saving air and energy.
  • If you can reach a phone, call or text emergency contacts and send your location.
  • If there is a stick or small object you can push upward or outward, move it to create a visible sign for rescuers.

Mini “Quick Scoop” checklist

If you need a 10‑second mental checklist during a landslide:

  1. Up and away – move uphill and sideways, out of gullies and channels.
  1. Cover head – curl into a ball and protect your head and neck if you cannot escape.
  1. Stay inside and shelter if escape is too risky; get under sturdy furniture and away from windows and heavy objects.
  1. Avoid roads and rivers where debris piles up and bridges can be swept away.
  1. Afterwards, stay clear of the slide area and help others only when it is safe to do so.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.