Hiking Safety: Caution While Trekking: Monsoon Landslides and Remedies

 

Trekking routes get colorful and lush with rain during the monsoon season. The rivers fill, waterfalls burst, and mountains are concealed in mist. However, this beauty carries a great danger with it, i.e., landslides.

Especially in erosional areas, which are hilly and mountainous, during heavy rainfall, the soil and rocks loosen up and the slopes are unsteady.

It is important as a trekker to learn about these dangers and apply safety precautions.

Risk of Landslides in Monsoon Explained

Landslides are the movement of rocks, mud and other debris that fall at the downward direction of the slope due to gravity.

Monsoon months bring intense and long rain, which will loosen the soil, making its hold on the underlying rock weaker.

This is particularly prevalent in the Himalayas, Western Ghats and in the Northeastern states.

And under these circumstances, even an insignificant turmoil — a lumbering boul, a flock of sheep, or a gaggle of trekkers — could set tongue to a slide.

Warning signs that are typically common are:

Though there are landslides that occur with no apparent warning, there are certain things that can show some impending danger:

• New cracks or swelling of the trail or encouraging slopes.
• Sudden leaning of trees, poles or retaining walls.
• Abnormal rumbling noises in the direction of the road.
• A sudden outflow of water coming from known unusual places on a slope.

Being aware of these precursory signs can grant you invaluable time to evacuate to safety.

Monsoon Pre-trek Training

Your initial line of (self) defense is to prepare. One thing before you start:

• Look at forecasts: Do not venture out trekking with day forecasts of heavy or prolonged rains.
• Pre-research the trail: certain trails are prone to landslides; local guides or offices of the forest department will have fresh updates about the trail.
• Travel light: Pack a high packability rain coat, covers that cover backpacks, water resistant and holder trekking shoes that have got great grip and an energized torch.
• Record your trek: Inform local people, trek organizers, or homestay hosts of your plan and an expected return time.

Trail Safety On the Trek

Once out on the trek, alertness is equally to physical fitness:

• Use marked trails: Do not cut across loose slopes or places exhibiting erosion.
• Go in small groups: A large number in groups might create vibrations or more likely to create a slide.
• Keep to safe distances with slopes: Walk away at the base of unstable slopes and should not loiter around the edges of cliffs.
• Watch the ground: Watching the ground changes indicates that there might be a slide. Watch the ground become muddy and slippery or that water is running down some ridge or hill — this may mean a slide is coming.
• Pass hazardous areas swiftly: In certain places where falling rocks or soil is likely, pass it swiftly not stopping.

The response on the Emergency during a Landslide

In case there is a landslide that begins and you are on the trail:

• Sideways-not downhill: Attempt to get out of the slide laterally.
• To protect your head: Arms, or a backpack, can also be used to block impacts of falling objects.
• Avoid riverbanks: Mudslides have the potential to clog rivers, resulting in flash flooding.
• Remain in place where escape is out of the question: Find some such cover as a stationary boulder, a depression in the ground, and lie as low as you can.

After a safe situation never cross the slide zone at once; aftershocks or second slides sometimes occur.

The Function of Local Knowledge

The instinctive awareness of monsoon hazards can be found with the local villagers, porters and guides.

They are able to know areas to rest safely, alternative pathways and when slopes will be less hazardous.

Employing a local guide during monsoon months are not only a community-friendly activity; it is a safe investment.

Post-Trek Safety

Nevertheless, even when you are done with your trek make sure you are careful when you are traveling by road in landslide-prone areas.

The roads can be jammed or partly destroyed because of previous slides. Check local news or district administration news prior to going on to travel.

The Trade-off-Adventure and Safety

There is no match of beauty and solitude in trekking during monsoons but it also requires a significant increase in respect to the power of nature.

Tackling the situation proactively helps to mitigate the hazards and trekkers can continue to have fun being on the trail.

It is not to be naturally afraid of mountains during monsoon, but to expose yourself to them in a prepared, informed and humble manner.