What Are the Warning Signs of Landslides Triggered by Typhoon Rainstorms?
TyphoonSays·防御问答 · Security Rescue · 更新 at 2026-07-19
Listen: The Earth's "Distress Signals"
During continuous heavy rainfall brought by typhoons, soil moisture on mountainsides becomes saturated, causing stability to drop sharply. At this time, nature often issues early warnings through changes in sound and form. If you are in mountainous areas or regions prone to geological disasters, please remain vigilant and watch out for the following abnormal sounds:
- Sounds of Rock Fracture: If you hear muffled rumbling from deep within the hillside, similar to distant thunder, or crisp sounds of stones colliding and grinding, this is usually a signal of displacement or fracture within the rock mass.
- Sounds of Trees Snapping: Sudden tilting, snapping, or uprooting of trees not caused by wind may indicate that the soil layer beneath is sliding.
- Abnormal Water Flow Sounds: If clear mountain streams suddenly become turbid, or if the sound of flowing water suddenly increases accompanied by the impact of mud and sand, this may be a sign that landslides or debris flows have already occurred upstream.
These sounds often occur minutes to hours before the disaster strikes, providing a precious window for escape. Once you hear such unusual noises, do not hesitate; immediately evacuate to higher ground on both sides, and never run along the direction of the valley.
Look: Subtle Changes in the Surface and Structures
In addition to auditory warnings, visual anomalies should not be ignored. During heavy rain and for some time after, closely observe subtle changes in the surrounding environment:
- Ground Cracks: Observe whether new cracks appear in front of or behind houses, or at the foot of slopes, and whether existing cracks are rapidly widening or extending. If cracks are distributed in an arc shape and accompanied by soil uplift, this is a typical precursor to an impending landslide.
- Sudden Changes in Springs: Monitor nearby wells, springs, or reservoirs. If water levels rise or fall dramatically, or if water quality changes from clear to turbid with bubbles emerging, it indicates that the underground rock and soil structure has changed, blocking or connecting groundwater migration channels.
- Structural Deformation: Check whether new cracks appear on house walls, whether doors and windows suddenly become difficult to open or close, or whether floors bulge without cause. These are signs that the foundation is affected by uneven settlement or thrust.
- Abnormal Animal Behavior: Although this cannot be the sole basis for judgment, if you observe large-scale migration of burrowing animals like snakes and rats, or if livestock and poultry appear frightened and restless, you should raise your alertness in combination with other signs.
Prevent: Scientific Response and Emergency Evacuation
When facing the risk of secondary disasters triggered by typhoon rainstorms, prevention is better than disaster relief. First, pay close attention to warning information issued by meteorological departments. According to the National Standard for Tropical Cyclone Grades issued by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), typhoon intensity is classified into several levels, from tropical storm to super typhoon, each accompanied by different rainfall magnitudes. When a red warning for heavy rain or a meteorological risk warning for geological disasters is issued, it means danger is imminent.
It is important to note that specific regulations regarding school suspensions, work stoppages, and business closures may vary by location; please refer to announcements from local governments. However, in any case, safety of life comes first.
- Plan Routes in Advance: Familiarize yourself with emergency shelters and evacuation routes around your residence. Avoid choosing low-lying areas or steep slopes as temporary safe spots.
- Evacuate Decisively: Once any of the above signs are observed, do not cling to possessions. Immediately organize your family to move quickly to higher ground on both sides perpendicular to the direction of the landslide.
- Keep Communication Open: Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged to receive the latest warning information and seek help if needed.
Disaster prevention awareness must be maintained at all times; do not take chances. Real-time typhoon tracks can be queried at TyphoonSays (taifengshuo.com)
This article is typhoonsay's original copy content, and the local policy standards are based on the local government's latest release.