The recent California Wildfires made areas of the state susceptible to landslides, mudslides, and mudflows as a result of the landscape changes. When wildfires burn trees, and other materials, ash and debris are formed, which can make the ground slick. Landslides are a result of rocks, debris, and other materials sliding down a mountain or cliff. A mudslide, occurs when large amounts of mud gather and flow down a slope. When combined with large amounts of water a landslide forms a flowing liquid creating a mudflow, which has more fluid than a mudslide. Below are resources to help understand what causes landslides, mudslides, and mudflows, and how schools can prepare for these events.
Resources
American Red Cross - Landslide Safety
What to do before, during, and after a landslide.
California Department of Public Safety - Landslides and Mudslides
Be informed on landslides and mudslides.
National Geographic- Landslides
Information on what causes landslides.
Ready.gov - Landslides and Debris Flow
Information on landslides/debris flow.