“Better Safe Than Sorry”: Disaster Expert Shares Life-Saving Tips to Spot Impending Landslides
By Lions Roar Aotearoa News
NEW ZEALAND (Friday, January 23, 2026) — Following the “awful events” of the past 48 hours, including the tragic deaths of two people in a Pāpāmoa landslide, a leading disaster expert is urging New Zealanders to learn the subtle warning signs that a slope is about to give way.
Dr. Lauren Vinnella, a senior lecturer in emergency management at Massey University’s Joint Centre for Disaster Research, says that while landslides can happen with terrifying speed, nature often provides clues before a major collapse.
🔍 The Warning Signs: What to Look For
Dr. Vinnella warns that because landslides can occur on almost any slope in New Zealand, residents living on or near hillsides must remain vigilant, especially during periods of heavy rain.
- The Small Clues: Falling rocks or small “nuisance” slips are often precursors to a much larger event.
- Ground Changes: Keep an eye out for new cracks in the soil or unusual bulges in the ground.
- Structural Hints: If your doors or windows suddenly become hard to open or close, it could mean the frames are being warped by the ground moving beneath the house.
- Vegetation & Fencing: Tilted trees, fences, or utility poles can also indicate slow-moving soil.
⚠️ Trust Your Instincts: “Act Now”
The most critical advice from Dr. Vinnella is to prioritize safety over property.
“It’s better to be safe than sorry,” she said. “If you feel as if you are in danger, it is always best to act on it.”
She emphasizes that landslides are a common feature of New Zealand’s landscape and can be triggered suddenly by:
- Heavy or Prolonged Rainfall: Saturating the soil and increasing pressure.
- Earthquakes: Shaking loose already unstable slopes.
📋 Landslide Safety Checklist
| Warning Sign | Action Required |
| Sticky Doors/Windows | Check for ground movement; contact experts. |
| New Cracks in Ground | Monitor closely; move away from the slope if rain continues. |
| Small Rockfalls | Avoid the area; stay out of rooms facing the slope. |
| Feeling Unsafe | Evacuate immediately and call emergency services. |
🏠 Building for the Future
Dr. Vinnella hopes that ongoing research will better inform decisions on where and how to build on slopes in the future. “Landslides are quite common in New Zealand and can cause considerable damage,” she noted, expressing her deep condolences to the families in the Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti who have lost loved ones and homes this week.
