Landslides
Prevention and preparedness measures need to be enhanced to reduce the risk of landslides in Quebec. This includes monitoring for early warning signs (e.g. cracks in slopes, abnormal water flows, sudden changes in water flows during intense flooding).
Warning and monitoring systems
It’s essential to stay informed about weather warnings and to participate in local early warning systems. The Québec Alert Ready system provides rapid access to information on events that represent a real or imminent threat, such as landslides.
Since landslides are closely linked to precipitation, you can also consult Environment Canada’s Public Weather Alerts site. Local weather reports are another excellent way of finding out about the risk of landslides in an area.
In the event of ground movement, evacuate if possible, and stay out of the path of a landslide.
Individual measures
In the face of extreme events, the Quebec government recommends that those living in landslide-prone areas take steps to prevent their consequences. Preparing an emergency kit for the home, as well as a family emergency plan, is a useful preventive measure so that you can react quickly in the event of a landslide.
As a general rule, it is not advisable to carry out work on private property, such as building an embankment or excavating at the base of a slope. This work could affect soil stability in landslide-prone areas.
Property owners are also encouraged to check with their municipality to find out if their property is in a landslide constraint zone. That way, they can adapt in order to avoid work that could lead to ground instability.
Land use planning
Land use planning also plays a key role in landslide prevention. It involves regulating human activities that could compromise slope stability, as well as implementing protective measures.
Structural measures
Various techniques and structural measures have been developed to reduce ground instability and minimize landslide hazards. These methods include:
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Improving soil drainage
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Modifying slope gradients
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Construction of erosion protection berms
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Geotechnical techniques such as soil nailing and the application of rigid facings
However, these measures entail significant financial and environmental costs, so it is important to assess the potential impacts of these developments in advance.
Non-structural measures
Non-structural measures can also be implemented. In particular, this involves identifying constraint zones in order to limit or avoid the construction of infrastructure in areas at risk of landslides. Other possible measures include land use planning and the introduction of specific building standards to reduce vulnerability in those areas.
Other adaptation measures
Prevention and preparedness measures can be applied in addition to land use planning. Regular monitoring and inspection of terrain, disaster response planning, public communication and awareness-raising all help reduce the risk of landslides.
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