In a landslide, masses of rock, earth or debris (rubble or trash) move down a slope. Debris and mud flows are rivers of rock, earth, and other debris soaked with water. They develop when water builds up quickly in the ground during heavy rainfall or rapid snow melt, and changes the earth into a flowing river of mud or "slurry." They can occur quickly, striking fast with little or no warning. They also can travel several miles from their source, growing in size as they pick up trees, boulders, cars, and other materials.
Text, don't talk. Unless there's a life-threatening situation, send a text so that you don't tie up phone lines needed by emergency workers. Plus, texting may work even if cell service is down.
Landslides occur in all U.S. states and territories and can be caused by a variety of things including earthquakes, storms, volcanic eruptions, fire, and even construction. They are more common in mountain, canyon and coastal regions.