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Why should I care about landslides?

By Landslide Hazards Program

Home damaged by debris flow

Island County, Washington

Debris flow road damage

Polk County, NC

Potential landslide indicator

Island County, Washington

Landslides pose significant risks to public health and safety, local economies, and home and business owners

severe damage to home foundation and surrounding vegetation
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Landslide caused by intense rainfall in June 2019 in Powell County, KY. The landslide completely destroyed the first floor and all that remains in is the second floor of the home, displayed in this image. 

 

 

The typical homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover earth movement. If a home is damaged by a landslide, the damage may be solely the homeowner's responsibility.

 

 

two cracks on a gravel slope in residential yard
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Cracks on a gravel road formed during the initial movement of a slow, deep landslide. The cracks can be indicators of local movement in or around the road or in this case, a much larger landslide and damaged many homes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

People who live in areas with landslide hazards should learn the signs of a landslide and learn what to do after a landslide occurs.   

large debris flow from above on hillslope surrounded by trees, road and home are visible at landslide toe
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Debris flow caused by intense rainfall from Tropical Storm Fred in August 2021. Haywood County, NC. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Landslides kill people and destroy property.