Continuous erosion of the banks of the Negro River has led to the destruction of houses such as this one in Mt Lebanus, St Thomas. - Photo by Paul Williams

Many citizens residing in Jamaica's mountainous terrain live in constant fear as landslides can have dangerous consequences, cutting off communities, damaging property and ultimately causing death.

Past slippages suggest strong probability of recurrence. Resi-dents in Lawrence Tavern, Irish Town, Mount Lebanus and Hagley Gap know this only too well. Therefore, precautions should be taken.

But how can residents have a landslide cleared to return life to normality?

According to Calvet Sutherland, assistant building surveyor in the City Engineering Department at the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC), the incident should immediately be reported to the parish council office or the National Works Agency (NWA).

Though Sutherland says agencies usually respond promptly to reports, exogenous circumstances may hinder speedy deployment to the location.

"It depends on the case, because in times when there is a natural disaster, there are more roads to be cleared so it would be delayed.

Not accessible

"Also in those times, there are roads which are cut off, so the community is not accessible," Sutherland said.

When disaster looms, relevant government agencies mobilise backhoes, trucks and workmen in communities that are prone to landslides to facilitate quick remedial action to avoid the delay.

However, under normal circumstances such as a slight rainfall, the equipment would be deployed from the office. To avoid potential delays, citizens must quickly report land slippages.

Sutherland said despite the KSAC's limited fleet, its reliance on private certified contractors covers that shortfall.

In the meantime, it's safer to prevent a landslide than to deal with one. Information provided by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) stated that there are two categories to avert landslides.

These are to reduce the removal of vegetation on steep slope:

✓ Reduce slash-and-burn method of clearing land.

✓ Planting trees will break the water hence reduce landslides.

Discontinue building on steep slopes:

✓ Soil that is easily waterlogged or supersaturated after heavy rainfall increases the probability of landslide.

Clearing landslides

If it's a secondary road, make the report to the parish council office nearest to the landslide location.

However, if it's a major road, contact the NWA at 926-3210-9.

If it's a private road, the owner is responsible to clear the landslide.

If the agency does not intervene after a report has been made, the person should do a follow-up to find out the status of the report. Agencies sometimes encounter difficulties in reaching marooned communities.

For more information on how to clear a landslide in your area, call the KSAC at 922-4320 or 922-2587. Persons can also visit the website www.ksac.gov.jm.For more information on preventing landslides, persons can contact NEPA at 754-7540.