LEARNER’S GUIDE 6

SUBJECT: Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction STEM 12 DATE: February 13-
18, 2023

CONCEPT OF HAZARD, TYPES OF HAZARDS, THE IMPACT OF VARIOUS HAZARDS

ENGAGE:
Can sinkholes be a precursor for more massive geological events?

VISUALIZE:
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
 Identify the different geological hazards that are triggered by rain.
 Analyze the causes of rainfall-induced geological hazards: landslide and sinkholes.
 Recognize the sign of impending landslides and sinkholes.

EXPLORE:
Oliva, Mylene D.G., Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction; Philippines: Diwa Learning
Systems;2016

LEARN:
Related geological hazards, 
1. Rainfall-induced landslide 
2. Sinkhole

Landslides
A landslide also called “Landslip” is a ground movement on sloping terrain. Landslides do not happen on
flat grounds.
 The hazard of landslides can be induced further or aggravated by rain.
 Areas with tropical climates such as the Philippines experience prolonged rains especially during the wet
season.
 A high vulnerability to rainfall-induced landslide hazards is characterized by areas with steep, dense
populations, and denuded ground.

Structures that are built on steep-sloped mountains have a high vulnerability to landslide hazards, especially
during heavy rains.

Sinkholes
Are depressions or holes in the ground that result from the collapse of the surface layer of the soil.
 Sinkholes occur in areas where the soil foundation is made of soft minerals and rock such as limestone,
salt beds, or any acidic rocks. 
 The rocks can be weakened further by frequent submersions in water, such as when there is repeated
rainfall or an unmanaged flood.
 The rocks dissolve in water and gradually weaken, carving and forming spaces and underground passages
for water.
 The depth of sinkholes varies from a few meters to even kilometers deep.

Most newly discovered sinkholes are linked to land-use practices, especially groundwater pumping, excavation,
and land development. Because of the alteration of land, the natural water drainage is sometimes changed as well,
such that new water diversion is formed creating a new sinkhole.

Sings of Impending Landslides or Sinkholes

 Visible in areas where there are buildings, bridges, roads, a stationary object, inland water bodies, or
vegetation.
For landslides, here are signs of an imminent danger;
1. Springwater, or water-saturated grounds in areas that are not typically wet.
2. Soil that loosens and moves away from the foundation.
3. New cracks or unusual bulges on cemented ground or walls.
4. Underground utility lines that are broken due to vibrations or tremors from the surface of the ground.
5. Building, poles, walls, and fences that are leaning.
6. The sudden rapid flow of creek water carrying more silted water.
7. For sinkholes, there are signs of an imminent danger in groundwater that does not provide the same
amount and quality as before or has become cloudy, acidic, silted, or soiled.
8. Signposts or poles that are suddenly learning, slumping, sagging, slanting, or bent.
9. Ponds that have recently formed or puddles that grow or have never disappeared.
Scientific Tools for assessing Landslides and Sinkholes
For Landslides
In areas that are susceptible to landslide
 Abney level or a laser rangefinder equipped with a tiltmeter 
 Tiltmeter is used to measure the slope angle, soil compaction, and soil strength area.
 The data determine the level of risk of landslides. The same data can also be used for further terrain
alterations or guide urban planners to plan a safer structural development in any area.
For Sinkholes
 Sinkholes are validated using ground-penetrating radar(GPR) to provide images of the subsurface ground.
 It can detect the type of object, changes in materials, and voids and cracks under layers of soil.
 This is why the GPR is a good tool in determining the ground underlying the ground surface.
 The GPR has been widely used in mapping sinkholes in Bohol and Cebu, where both showed the
presence of sinkholes during an earthquake event in 2013.
Using Geohazard Maps
Areas that have the highest vulnerability to rainfall-induced landslides have already been identified by the
MGB of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through their Geohazard Mapping and
Assessment Program.
This program is an ongoing priority project of DENR designed to provide accurate and detailed profile to
the terrain of the Philippine soil. The maps generated from this project have combined landslides and flooding
hazards as these two are the most common geologic issues in sloping areas during rainfall.

Note: The general geohazard map can be viewed online through ( http://gdis.denr.gov.ph/mgbviewer/. )

Precautionary Measures in Case of a Landslide or a Sinkhole

Once vulnerability and exposure to geohazards is determine and validated through scientific tools, visible
signs, and maps, communities are advised to take precautionary measures to prevent unnecessary damage to lives
and properties.
Landslides
If your area is prone to landslides
 Plant more trees, grasses, and other vegetation to prevent erosion and for compaction of soil.
 Build channels for diversion of mudflow or debris flow to direct the flow away from your property.
 Do not build your house on or near steep slopes, mountain edges, drainages, or natural erosion valleys.
Before a Landslide
 Be familiar with your soundings. Watch for any changes in appearances or positions of these object.
 Avoid open storm-water drainage and runoff as these areas likely to receive debris and soil from higher
elevations, especially when there is a storm or heavy rainfall.
 Be updated on news regarding the condition of your area. Be aware of the disaster plans of your local
government.
 Learn and participate in emergency response and evacuation plans for your community.
During a Landslide
 Be attentive to unusual sound such as cracking object, moving debris, and rolling boulder.
 Stay away from the path of debris.
 Stay on an elevated and sturdy area. Avoid low-lying areas and steep slopes.
 If escape is not possible, curl into a tight ball and project your head.
After a Landslide
 Avoid the slide area. There is still danger of more landslides.
 Listen for the latest emergency information.
 If the landslide is caused by rainfall, watch out for flooding as it will follow the same path taken by the
debris flow.
 Check for injured or trapped people near the slide, and for damaged structures and other potential hazards.
Sinkholes
If sinkholes are not detected earlier and appears suddenly, do the following:
 Find refuge in a stable ground or open area.
 Wait until the structures on and around the sinkhole stops moving. Do not attempt to go back and retrieve
your belongings.
 Wait for the local government’s announcement when it is safe to go back.
After a Sinkhole’s Appearance
 Stay away from the sinkhole.
 Monitor the damages on object.
 Do no throw anything into the sinkhole. Anything thrown into it may contaminate the groundwater.
 Secure whatever is left of your properties and relocate to safe grounds, preferably far from this location
because the same bedrock or soil profile may characterize the vicinities of the

LEARNER’S WORKERSHEET 6

SUBJECT: Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction STEM 12 DATE: February 13-17,2023

Name: _________________________________________ Grade&Section: ___________________

APPLY:

In a landslide-prone area that is devoid of natural or man-made structures, what signs can be used to see
any imminent occurrence of a landslide?
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NOURISH:

As an effective Christian citizen, what escape plan can you make if you live in a landslide-prone area?
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DO:
Why is silted groundwater considered a sign of sinkhole formation? What causes the groundwater to be
soiled?
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Note: Answers may vary