If soil, rocks or debris are moving down a slope, leave the danger area immediately if you have a safe route. Move out of the debris path and keep away from the slope, nearby unstable structures and fallen cables. Call 995 from safety if someone is trapped, seriously injured or needs rescue. Tell responders where you last saw anyone in danger. SCDF Emergency Handbook
If you notice new ground cracks, bulging soil, freshly tilted objects or unusual water coming through or around a retaining wall, keep away and alert the responsible site or building manager. These can be signs of instability and need professional assessment. Keep off the slope while the owner or authorities assess it. SCDF Emergency Handbook BCA guidance on slope safety and responsibilities
- Move out of the path of debris and stay away from the affected slope.
- Call 995 from safety for urgent rescue or serious injury.
- Report new signs of movement or damage to the responsible manager and respect closures.
On this page
- If the ground is moving now
- Report warning signs without inspecting the slope
- Wait for clearance before returning
- Frequently asked questions
If the ground is moving now
Take a safe route away from the moving material and the edge of the affected ground. Warn people nearby while moving to safety. If you can see someone stranded or hurt, call for help and direct rescuers to that person from a safe position. Leave the unstable area to trained responders. Further movement can occur after the first slide. SCDF Emergency Handbook
Give the block, road, park entrance or construction frontage and the side of the slope that has moved. Say whether debris is still moving, a route is blocked or any person needs help. Call 995 for rescue and 999 if immediate police assistance is needed. SCDF Emergency Handbook Singapore Police Force emergency contacts
Report warning signs without inspecting the slope
SCDF lists new cracks or bulges in the ground, newly leaning objects, erosion and unusual water near a retaining wall as signs of possible slope failure. Describe what changed and when you noticed it. Keep back from cracks, the wall and the ground above or below the damaged area. SCDF Emergency Handbook
Tell the building or site manager if you know who is responsible. BCA advises land and building owners to engage a professional engineer to assess relevant slopes. A resident or student can report the observation from safety without trying to determine the condition of the slope. BCA guidance on slope safety and responsibilities
Wait for clearance before returning
Keep children away from barricades, mud and debris. Check the latest directions before walking the usual route home or entering an affected property. If you are meeting someone, choose a confirmed public access point outside the closed area. Follow the clearance instructions from responders or the responsible authority. SCDF Emergency Handbook
A school-route example
Students see fresh mud spilling onto the usual path after heavy rain. They turn back to a public entrance and tell a teacher exactly where the path is blocked. The school confirms a different route for collection and alerts site management. If anyone is reported trapped, the caller gives responders the last known location from safety.
Frequently asked questions
Does a new crack always mean a landslide will happen?
Ground changes have different causes. Keep away from the affected slope and report what you saw so the responsible owner can arrange an assessment. SCDF Emergency Handbook BCA guidance on slope safety and responsibilities
Can I go back when the rain stops?
Follow official clearance and keep out of the affected area. Additional movement can occur after the initial slide. SCDF Emergency Handbook
Should I step around a small pile of fresh mud?
Choose a route clear of the affected slope and report the obstruction. The mud can be a sign that the ground nearby has moved. SCDF Emergency Handbook
Sources
- SCDF Emergency Handbook
- Singapore Police Force emergency contacts
- BCA guidance on slope safety and responsibilities