Debris flows
Debris flows are the most common rainfall-induced landslides in Jamaica. These landslides are fast-moving flows of mud and rock, sometimes referred to as mudslides, mudflows or debris avalanches. As mentioned above, these occurred recently in Portland causing great damage. Debris flows are initiated as shallow landslides in the depressions on steep hill slopes. How steep is steep? All those slopes on which walking is difficult may be regarded as steep slopes. The material dislodged combines with rainwater to form slurry with the consistency of wet cement that carries with it rock boulders, tree trunks and other debris. As they continue flowing down the slope through watercourses, they grow in volume, often block channels causing local floods, and eventually spread out over relatively flat areas burying whatever comes in their way. These flows may travel long distances from their sources and have a tremendous erosive power, are most destructive form of landslides, and most serious threat to be anticipated from hurricane Georges. In Jamaica, debris flows have destroyed houses, blocked roads with thick deposits of mud and rocks, destroyed culverts and roads, destroyed water pipelines and other infrastructure.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
SOME SIMPLE STRATEGIES FOR PROTECTION FROM DEBRIS FLOWS
Before hurricane
1. Become familiar with the land around you. Find out if debris flows have occurred in you area. Contact government agencies (MGD, NRCA, ODPEM) or Unit for Disaster Studies at Mona campus, Department of Geography and Geology, UWI for more information. Remember: Slopes where debris flows have occurred in the past are likely to generate debris flows again.

2. It is best if houses and critical facilities are located away from steep slopes, streams and rivers, intermittent-stream channels, and the mouths of mountain channels.

3. Watch for signs of landslides which may be seen as following features: Springs, seeps, or water-saturated areas, small slips may be noted in areas where run-off water converges. Cracks or unusual bulges in the ground, road pavements, sunken roads. Soil is moving away from foundations. Leaning trees, electricity poles, boundary walls, retaining walls and fences. Sticking doors and windows and out of plumb walls; floors are cracked, tilted or sunken.

4. Contact parish disaster coordinator or ODPEM for emergency -response and disaster shelters.

5. Develop your own emergency plan for your family and business place. Your safety is your responsibility.