JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGENCY (JICA)

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND LAND TRANSPORT (MPI)

Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

December 2014

(Revised in September 2017)

KOKUSAI KOGYO CO., LTD.

NIPPON KOEI CO., LTD.

CENTRAL CONSULTANT INC.

FUTABA INC.
 CONTENTS

Page

0 Preface .......................................................................................... 0-1

0.1 Definition of Landslides ............................................................................ 0-1
0.2 Classification and Mechanisms of Landslides .......................................... 0-3
0.2.1 Classification of Landslides ............................................................................0-3
0.2.2 Mechanisms of Landslides ..............................................................................0-5
0.2.3 Factor of Landslide .........................................................................................0-6
0.3 Outline of Landslides in Mauritius ............................................................ 0-7
0.3.1 Classification of Hazard Area in Mauritius ....................................................0-7
0.3.2 Location Map and Inventory .........................................................................0-10

1 Introduction................................................................................... 1-1

2 Literature Survey .......................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Data Collection and its Utilization............................................................. 2-1
2.1.1 Data Collection ...............................................................................................2-1
2.1.2 Aerial Photograph (geomorphological) Interpretation ....................................2-1
2.2 Confirmation of the Legal Systems/schemes and Development
Restriction/Land-use Control ................................................................... 2-5
2.2.1 Confirmation of the Cyclone and Other Natural Disasters Scheme ................2-5
2.2.2 Confirmation of the proposed Landslide-Prone Areas and Landslide Hazard Zones
........................................................................................................................2-6
2.2.3 Confirmation of Development Restrictions/Land-use Controls......................2-7

3 Initial Survey at Site ..................................................................... 3-1

3.1 Setting of Target Landslide Areas ............................................................ 3-1
3.2 Site Survey and Analysis ......................................................................... 3-2
3.2.1 Confirmation of the Landslide Area and the Movement Direction.................3-2
3.2.2 Emergency Monitoring for Landslide .............................................................3-3
3.2.3 Estimate of the Cause of the Landslide Occurrence .......................................3-4
3.2.4 Prediction of the Landslide Activity ...............................................................3-4
3.2.5 Estimate of the Influence area .........................................................................3-6

4 Emergency Response .................................................................. 4-1

4.1 Structural Countermeasure Work............................................................. 4-1
4.1.1 Soil Removal Work.........................................................................................4-1
4.1.2 Counter Weight Work .....................................................................................4-3
4.1.3 Drainage Work ................................................................................................4-4
4.1.4 Detour .............................................................................................................4-5
4.2 Evacuation and Relocation Support ......................................................... 4-5
4.2.1 Evacuation ......................................................................................................4-5
4.2.2 Relocation Support........................................................................................4-10
4.3 Landslide Warning Systems .................................................................. 4-14
4.3.1 Outline of Landslide Warning Systems ........................................................4-14
4.3.2 Warning ........................................................................................................4-15

i
 4.3.3 Transmission of Warning and Evacuation ..............................................4-21
4.3.4 Landslide Warning without Instruments ..................................................4-22

5 Detail Survey plan ........................................................................ 5-1

5.1 Outline of Detail Survey ........................................................................... 5-1
5.1.1 Flow of Landslide Survey ...............................................................................5-1
5.1.2 Preliminary Survey .........................................................................................5-3
5.1.3 Main Survey ....................................................................................................5-3
5.2 Outline of Countermeasure Policy ........................................................... 5-6
5.2.1 Decision of Policy of Countermeasure ...........................................................5-6
5.2.2 Structural Countermeasure Work....................................................................5-7
5.3 Confirmation of Development Restriction/Land-use Control and Legal
Systems/Schemes ................................................................................... 5-9
5.3.1 Confirmation of Development Restriction and Land-use Control ..................5-9
5.3.2 Confirmation of the Legal Systems and Schemes.........................................5-10
5.3.3 Confirmation of the Development Restriction by PPG .................................5-12
5.3.4 Confirmation of the Development Plan regarding the Landslide Site ..........5-14

ii
 LIST OF FIGURES
Page

Figure 0.3.1 Landslide Location Map in Mauritius.................................................................. 0-10

Figure 2.1.1 Micro Landforms in a Landslide............................................................................ 2-2
Figure 2.1.2 Aerial Photo Interpretation using a Stereo Scope .................................................. 2-2
Figure 2.1.3 Characteristics related to Landslides ..................................................................... 2-3
Figure 2.1.4 Comparison of Contour Lines in a Landslide Area (left) and Area with no
Landslides (right).................................................................................................. 2-3
Figure 2.1.5 An Example of a Legend for Interpreting Landslides............................................ 2-4
Figure 2.2.1 Example of a Landslide-Prone Area and Landslide Hazard Zone ......................... 2-7
Figure 2.2.2 Example of a settlement boundary......................................................................... 2-8
Figure 3.1.1 Flowchart for Determining the Target Landslide Area .......................................... 3-1
Figure 3.2.1 Viewpoints of the Investigation ............................................................................. 3-2
Figure 3.2.2 Case 1: Landslide Mass Completely Slides Down ................................................ 3-4
Figure 3.2.3 Case 2: Distal End of Landslide Mass Rises ......................................................... 3-5
Figure 3.2.4 Case 3: Inclination of the Downward Slope is gentle ............................................ 3-5
Figure 3.2.5 Case 4: Inclination of the Downward Slope is Steep ............................................. 3-5
Figure 3.2.6 Change Pattern of the Landslide Displacement ..................................................... 3-6
Figure 3.2.7 Landslide Danger Zone .......................................................................................... 3-6
Figure 4.1.1 Example of Soil Removal Work at the Head and Unstable Part of Target
Landslide .............................................................................................................. 4-2
Figure 4.1.2 Points of Installation of Counter Weight Work ..................................................... 4-4
Figure 4.1.3 Large-sized Sandbags ............................................................................................ 4-4
Figure 4.1.4 Gabion wall for Counter Weight............................................................................ 4-4
Figure 4.1.5 Example of Arrangement of Surface Drainage ...................................................... 4-5
Figure 4.1.6 Detour on the Original Road .................................................................................. 4-5
Figure 4.2.1 Task Flow of Related Ministries/Agencies for Early Waning and Evacuation
in the Pilot Sites .................................................................................................... 4-8
Figure 4.2.2 Task Flow of Related Ministries/Agencies for Early Warning and Evacuation
in a Site Other than Pilot Sites by the Project..................................................... 4-10
Figure 4.3.1 Wire Extensometer .............................................................................................. 4-16
Figure 4.3.2 Laser Extensometer.............................................................................................. 4-16
Figure 4.3.3 Laser Extensometer, Vallée Pitot ......................................................................... 4-16
Figure 4.3.4 Rain Gauge .......................................................................................................... 4-17
Figure 4.3.5 Record of the Extensometer on the Event of Disaster in Vallée Pitot .................. 4-18
Figure 4.3.6 Relation between Precipitation and Disasters ...................................................... 4-19
Figure 4.3.7 The in-site alarm devices, sound and light, Vallée Pitot...................................... 4-20
Figure 5.1.1 Flowchart Summarising Survey/Analysis for Landslides ...................................... 5-1
Figure 5.1.2 Image of topographic survey plan.......................................................................... 5-3
Figure 5.1.3 Location of drilling survey..................................................................................... 5-3
Figure 5.1.4 Conception diagram of the drilling and soil sampling ........................................... 5-4
Figure 5.1.5 Location of Geophysical exploration ..................................................................... 5-4
Figure 5.1.6 Setup Images of General Monitoring ..................................................................... 5-5
Figure 5.2.1Flowchart for the Selection of Landslide Countermeasure Work........................... 5-8
Figure 5.3.1 Acts and Schemes Related with LDRM .............................................................. 5-10
Figure 5.3.2 Revised PPG 9 ..................................................................................................... 5-13

iii
LIST OF TABLES

Page

Table 0.3.1 Classification of Hazard Area in Mauritius............................................................. 0-8

Table 0.3.2 Description of the Disaster Type in Mauritius ........................................................ 0-9
Table 0.3.3 Landslide Inventory in Mauritius .......................................................................... 0-11
Table 2.1.1 List of the Data to be Collected............................................................................... 2-1
Table 2.1.2 General Classification of Landslides....................................................................... 2-5
Table 2.2.1 List of Landslide-prone Areas in Mauritius ............................................................ 2-6
Table 3.2.1 Viewpoints of the Investigation .............................................................................. 3-2
Table 3.2.2 Emergency Monitoring Types and Equipment ....................................................... 3-3
Table 3.2.3 Examples in the Study of the Cause of the Landslide ............................................. 3-4
Table 4.2.1 Early Waning and Evacuation in the Pilot Sites...................................................... 4-7
Table 4.2.2 MPI’s Task for Early Waning and Evacuation in a Site Other than Pilot Sites
by the Project ........................................................................................................ 4-9
Table 4.2.3 Items and Content of the Initial Survey for Relocation......................................... 4-11
Table 4.2.4 Items and Content of the Detailed Survey for Relocation..................................... 4-13
Table 4.3.1 Proposed Criteria of Risk Levels in 3 Areas ......................................................... 4-19
Table 5.1.1 Survey Items and survey Method for Landslides .................................................... 5-2
Table 5.2.1 Evaluation Sheet of Landslide Stability .................................................................. 5-6
Table 5.2.2 Displacement Monitoring by Extensometer ............................................................ 5-6
Table 5.3.1 The Existing Mauritian Legal Systems/Schemes for LDRM ................................ 5-10
Table 5.3.2 The Design Guidance for Sloping Sites in the PPG 9 ........................................... 5-13

iv
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

0 Preface
0.1 Definition of Landslides
The term “Landslide” is defined variously in different literature. For example, United States
Geological Survey (USGS) defines “Landslide” referring to Cruden, 1991, and Varnes 1996
as follows:

A landslide is defined as "the movement of a mass of rock, debris, or earth down a slope"
(Cruden, 1991). Landslides are a type of "mass wasting" which denotes any down slope
movement of soil and rock under the direct influence of gravity. The term "landslide"
encompasses events such as rock falls, topples, slides, spreads, and flows, such as debris
flows commonly referred to as mudflows or mudslides (Varnes, 1996). Landslides can be
initiated by rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, changes in groundwater, disturbance and
change of a slope by man-made construction activities, or any combination of these factors.

- Cruden, D. M., 1991. A Simple Definition of a Landslide. Bulletin of the

International Association of Engineering Geology, No. 43, pp. 27-29.

- Varnes, D. J., 1996. Landslide Types and Processes, in Turner, A. K., and Schuster,
R. L., Landslides: Investigation and Mitigation, Transportation Research Board
Special Report 247, National Research Council, Washington, D.C.: National
Academy Press.

The classification by Varnes, 1978 through USGS is widely adopted worldwide. Table 0.1.1
presents the updated classification.

0-1
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Table 0.1.1 Classification of Types of Landslides1modified

0-2
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Generally speaking, a landslide is classified as follows, when you take countermeasures for
each phenomenon.

(1) Landslide

A landslide is equivalent to mainly “SLIDES” in the Table 0.1.1. A landslide is a

phenomenon where the soil mass on one or more failure (slip) surfaces deep in the ground
gradually shifts downward, triggered by heavy rain or earthquake, river erosion, earthworks.
Landslide sites tend to be concentrated in areas with specific geology or geological structure.
Compared to slope failure, the gentler slope moves on a large-scale, forming specific
topography (landslide topography), the inclination angle of the landslides slope is a relatively
low angle (about 5-20 degrees ).

(2) Slope Failure

A slope failure is equivalent to “FALLS” of debris and earth material in the Table 0.1.1, but it
does not include “Rock fall”. The slope failure mass detaches from a steep slope/cliff along a
surface with little or no shear displacement. It may be called a “Surface Failure“. Compared
to landslides, the slope failure moves quickly on a small-scale and the inclination angle is
relatively high (over 20 degrees).

(3) Debris Flow

A debris flow is equivalent to “FLOWS” of debris and earth material in the Table 0.1.1. A
debris flow is a phenomenon where soil and boulders are liquefied by surface water or
groundwater and tend to flow downward rapidly through a mountain torrent. It usually has
huge energy and destructive force. Debris flows tend to occur in places where there is a
massive amount of unstable sediment along a steep torrent, or a large risk of slope failure due
to heavy rain in the catchment basin.

(4) Rock fall

A rock fall is equivalent to “FALLS” and “TOPPLES” in Table 0.1.1. A rock fall is a
phenomenon where foliated rocks and gravel due to enlarged cracks in the bedrock or
outcropped rocks start to fall down a slope.

In this manual, “a slope disaster” is defined as the four (4) above mentioned types of natural
disasters.

0.2 Classification and Mechanisms of Landslides

0.2.1 Classification of Landslides

Table 0.2.1 shows type classification of landslides which have slip surfaces and repeated
activity. Landslides are classified into several types by the topographic and geological
characteristics. This classification makes it possible to estimate the cross-section, longitudinal
profiles and depths of landslides. As a result, the estimations are used as significant
information to plan landslide surveys.

0-3
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Table 0.2.1 Classification of the Landslide type2

0-4
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

0.2.2 Mechanisms of Landslides

A landslide is a phenomenon where the soil mass on one or more slip (failure) surfaces deep
in the ground gradually shifts downward (Figure 0.2.1). As one of the characteristics, the
inclination angle of the landslide slope is a relatively low angle (about 5-20 degrees).
Mechanism and movement direction of landslides are able to be estimated by checking the
following points:

・ Small deformations and surface anomalies such as steps, subsidence or heaving

・ Main scarp, tension crack, compression crack, radial crack, lateral crack

・ Deformation of artificial building such as house or stone wall

・ Anomaly of vegetation such as bending of tree root.

0-5
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Figure 0.2.1 Structure of Typical Landslide1

Figure 0.2.2 Schematic Diagram of Landslide Landforms3

0.2.3 Factor of Landslide

Basic factor (Mechanical factor): In general, landslides occur frequently in a landslide

area that has its own natural characteristics as basic factors. Most basic factors are natural
even when the inducing factor is artificial. The basic factors are: topographical (water
collecting nature), geological (nature of creation of slip surface such as bedded structure,
mud-clay layer, tuff etc., and thick loose formations on an unstable slope), geological
structure (faults, anticline, syncline, etc., which will become a factor of the landslide), the
condition of groundwater and so on.

0-6
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Groundwater Level

River Faults

Slip (Failure) Surface

Bedded Structure, Mud-Clay Layer, Tuff

Figure 0.2.3 Schematic Cross Section of Basic Factors of Landslides (source: JET)

Inducing factors: In areas prone to the basic factors of landslides, floods during the rainy
season, and other changes to the natural environment (wash out of the slope toe by rivers,
formation or blockage of new waterways at surface and subsurface) are triggers of landslides
(inducing factors).

Artificial cause: such as embankment at the upper landslide mass, cut slope at the toe of a
landslide, slope submersion under water and blockage of surface drainage.

Embankment at the upper

Groundwater Level rises

Cut slope at the toe

Wash out by rivers

Figure 0.2.4 Schematic Cross Section of Inducing Factor and Artificial Cause (source: JET)

0.3 Outline of Landslides in Mauritius

0.3.1 Classification of Hazard Area in Mauritius

The 37 landslide hazard areas, selected based on the "Cyclone and Other Natural Disasters
Scheme 2011-2012", includes several disaster forms besides landslides. Therefore the 37
hazard areas are classified into nine (9) kinds of disasters, given in Table 0.3.1, while Table
0.3.2 gives a description of nine (9) kinds of disasters.

0-7
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

General classification：At first, the 37 hazard areas selected based on the "Cyclone and
Other Natural Disasters Scheme 2011-2012" are classified into two kinds of disaster, Slope
disasters and Other disasters.

Sub classification：Then, Slope disasters are classified into Landslide, Slope failure, Rock
fall, and Debris flow. Other disasters are classified into Stream erosion, Damage of
embankment, Damage of wall, Damage of house, and Cavern.

Table 0.3.1 Classification of Hazard Area in Mauritius (source: JET)

General classification Sub classification Summary

Can be classified as a
Landslide 6 areas
Landslide Hazard Area
Slope 15 areas Slope failure 7 areas
Rock fall 1 areas
Debris flow 1 areas
Because it is not a
Disaster Stream erosion 10 areas
"Landslide", it cannot be
Damage of
4 areas classified as a Landslide
Embankment
Other 22 areas Hazard Area
Damage of wall 5 areas
Damage of house 1 areas
Cavern 2 areas

Total 37 areas

0-8
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Table 0.3.2 Description of the Disaster Type in Mauritius (source: JET)

Slope disaster Other disaster

A landslide is a phenomenon where the soil Stream erosion is the phenomenon where the
mass on failure surfaces deep in the ground soil of the bank is removed by the flow of the
gradually shifts downward, triggered by heavy river. It occurs in riverbanks where the flow of
rain, an earthquake, river erosion or the river hits with the most force. Water might
earthworks. Compared to slope failure, overflow when the level of the stream
landslides are generally on a larger scale and increases.
occur on gentler slopes (about 5-30 degrees).
Stream
Landslide
erosion water colliding front
Past riverbed
Present riverbed

A slope failure is a mass becoming detached The collapse of the road embankment is
from a steep slope/cliff along surface with little often triggered by rainfall, infiltration of
or no shear displacement. Compared to underground water, erosion by surface water,
landslides, the failure is rapid and on a or a partial catchment. It can be caused by
small-scale, the inclination angle is a weak embankment material or by lack of soil
relatively high (over 30 degrees). compaction. Concentration of
Slope Damage of Surface surface water
Rainfall
failure embankment water

Surface
water

Cross section Signs of stream

A rock fall is a phenomenon where foliated The disaster of a retaining wall doesn't occur
rocks and gravel start to fall down a slope as a suddenly as with a rock fall etc., rather the
result of enlarged cracks in the bedrock or deformation occurs over a comparatively long
outcropped rocks. time. The survey should investigate:
・ condition around the retaining wall
Damage of ・ main body of the retaining wall
Rock fall ・ history of the retaining wall
wall

A debris flow is a phenomenon where soil A crack that occurs on the wall of a house
and boulders are liquefied by surface water or may be caused by:
groundwater and tend to flow downward ・ Lack of bearing capacity
rapidly through a mountain torrent. ・ Subsidence of foundation ground
・ Shoddy workmanship, etc.
Damage of
Debris flow
house

settling
A cavern may be caused by:
・Infiltration of water from soak away
Ground
・Infiltration of water from improved pit,level
etc.

Soak away
improved pit
Cavern

Cavern

0-9
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

0.3.2 Location Map and Inventory

The landslide location map in Mauritius is indicated in Figure 0.3.1 and the characteristics are
compiled in Table 0.3.3.

Figure 0.3.1 Landslide Location Map in Mauritius (source: JET)

0-10
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Table 0.3.3 Landslide Inventory in Mauritius (source: JET)

Kind of the disaster

no. Area name Summary of the field investigation and interview
General Sub
Deformation on the concrete block wall and house caused by
embankment deformation at the front yard (parking area) was
Temple Road, Creve Damage of
1 confirmed. Another problem was inadequate surface drainage causing Other
Coeur wall
surface water from mountains to flow directly at houses during heavy
rain.
A small stream flows under the road through a concrete pipe culvert,
Congomah Village Stream
2 however, because it is too small it causes flooding and bank erosion Other
Council (Ramlakhan) erosion
during heavy rain.
A 1m high retaining wall that was constructed to build the road was
Congomah Village Damage of
3 reported to be leaning but it was found to be stable and no slope failure Other
Council (Leekraj) wall
was observed.
Congomah Village The 1m high retaining wall along the road was found to have collapsed Damage of
4 Other
Council (Frederick) due to erosion by surface water flow during rainy season. wall
Congomah Village
Damage of
5 Council (Blackburn A slope failure was confirmed on the side of the road. Other
Embankment
Lanes)
There are a few slope failures and a landslide in this site. The slope at
Les Mariannes
the roadside collapsed during heavy rain in 2010 and a section of road
6 Community Centre Slope Slope failure
was washed away. Since then, a retaining wall has been constructed
(Road area)
and the site is currently stable.
Les Mariannes
Stream
7 Community Centre There appeared to be bank erosion on the left bank above the bridge. Other
erosion
(Resident area)
The cracks have been spotted on the road surface due to the
Damage of
8 L'Eau Bouillie deterioration of bearing capacity of the roadbed. However, the cracks Other
Embankment
have been repaired.
A clear landslide was confirmed. A landslide was reported to have
damaged houses and a school after heavy rain in 2005. Drilling
Chitrakoot, Vallee des investigation and monitoring have been carried out, but not sufficiently.
9 Slope Landslide
Pretres No countermeasures have been implemented. Therefore, a detailed
investigation and monitoring are necessary while the countermeasures
are expected in future.
Lately, housing developments are growing rapidly in this area. A
Vallée Pitot (near landslide boundary of 35m x 20m was clearly detected. Several houses
10 Slope Landslide
Eidgah) have been damaged and some cracks were observed. The situation of
the damage was also reported in the newspaper.
Insufficient surface drainage means rain water concentrates in low
area and erodes roads and houses in its path. Damage is negligible at Stream
11 Le Pouce Street Other
present, although the maintenance of the surface drainage will be erosion
necessary.
An embankment has been constructed to build up the road, which
Justice Street (near caused an adjacent retaining wall to be pushed out and deformed. Damage of
12 Other
Kalimata Mandir) Insufficient surface drainage causing accumulation of groundwater wall
could also be a factor causing this deformation.
The landslide of La Butte occurred in 1986, and many houses and a
school were damaged. As for this landslide, countermeasures were
Mgr. Leen Street and
13 carried out in 1998, therefore further investigation of the landslide is Slope Landslide
nearby vicinity, La Butte
unnecessary. However, Port Louis City wants to continue the
monitoring on this landslide in the future.
Every side of the channel is covered by concrete. The water level rises
until the upper edge of the channel and erodes beyond this point in the
rainy season. The gabion has been set up at the lower part of slope at
Stream
14 Pouce Stream the channel and no damage has been reported yet. However, the Other
erosion
deterioration of the concrete wall is remarkable and the extension of
the wall height will be necessary. Therefore, further investigation and
countermeasures are advisable.
The landslide topography is not clear, but five houses and two retaining
walls were damaged while the spring water was spotted in two places.
Old Moka Road, Camp There are two possible causes of this, creep transformation of weak
15 Slope Landslide
Chapelon surface soil or a shallow landslide. Therefore, landslide investigation
and monitoring are necessary while the countermeasures are expected
in future.
The gabion was installed on the cut-slope when the road was
Boulevard Victria, Damage of
16 constructed. There is no record of damage for this site but the angle of Other
Montague Coupe wall
the wall is steep. Therefore, the observation of this wall is advisable.
Pailles: (i) access road
The slope failure has been spotted along the cut-slope (5m height) at
to Les Guibies and along
17 the roadside of highway. The surface of the cut-slope has been Slope Slope failure
motorway, near flyover
weathered, and it is eroded by rain.
bridge

0-11
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Pailles: (ii) access road

Morcellement des Aloes Insufficient drainage is causing erosion at the base of the water tank. Stream
18 Other
from Avenue M. Leal (on Immediate remedial work is needed. erosion
hillside)
Falling rocks at the upper slope and shallow slope failure at the middle
and lower slope occurred in an area of housing. There is only slight
19 Pailles: (iii) soreze region Slope Slope failure
damage for now, although shallow slope failure and cracks have been
confirmed.
Retaining walls have been constructed as countermeasures where the
Plaine Champagne
slope failure has been confirmed. It is currently stable, although there
20 Road, opposite "Musee Slope Slope failure
were a few cracks spotted in the retaining walls which are believed to
Touche Dubois"
be due to substandard construction.
Chamarel: (i) near Cracks in the road shoulder have occurred due to a lack of bearing Damage of
21 Other
Restaurant Le Chamarel capacity. It is caused by insufficient soil compaction. Embankment
Deformation of the road has been confirmed at the shoulder of the road
Chamarel: (ii) Damage of
22 due to a lack of bearing capacity. The embankment of stone masonry Other
Roadside Embankment
wall and retaining wall were constructed but it is insufficient.
The crack at the base of village hall area and edge of concrete
basketball court has been confirmed. However, the surrounding
Gremde Riviere Noire structures are not affected, therefore it is considered unlikely this Damage of
23 Other
Village Hall damaged was caused by landslides. Rather it is likely to be caused by house
lack of bearing capacity of the ground or a problem with the structure
itself.
Baie du Cap: (i) Near St A debris flow has occurred in the past and a block wall has since been
24 Francois d'Assise constructed. Also, small surface failures have been observed Slope Debris flow
Church frequently in this area.
A new road was built to reduce the damage from rock falls. However,
Baie du Cap: (ii) rock falls and small rock failures are also a frequent occurrence along
25 Slope Rock fall
Maconde Region the new road. The rocks are weathered, and there is a high possibility
of rock fall in future.
There are many houses built on the cliff here. The cliff is weathered
Riviere des Anguilles, Stream
26 severely and stream erosion occurs frequently. Therefore, the house Other
near the bridge erosion
will need to be relocated.
Landslide activity has been confirmed at the Quatre Soeurs area where
many houses have been damaged. The groundwater level at the lower
Quatre Soeurs, Marie
part of the landslide is high and is causing instability in the landslide.
27 Jeanne, Jhummah Slope Landslide
Drilling investigation and monitoring have been carried out, but not
Streert, Old Grand Port
sufficiently. Further investigation and monitoring are necessary while
the countermeasures are expected in future.
Bambous Virieux, Rajiv
Slope failure was confirmed at the backyard of the house. No damage
Gandhi Street (near
28 on the house was reported although the soil of the slope approached Slope Slope failure
Bhavauy House),
near the house. A retaining wall has been constructed independently.
Impasse Bholoa
A cavity (4m x 4m x 3m depth) due to land subsidence was observed
Cave in at Union Park,
29 in the residential area. No damage was caused to the houses and the Other cavern
Rose Belle
cavity was filled in with soil. Similar situation was confirmed nearby.
The slope failure in the crater of the volcano occurred during heavy
30 Trou-AUX-Cerfs rainfall in 2005. The possibility of slope failure on the rear side is low. Slope Slope failure
However, the slope failure on both sides can be expected.
Bank erosion and flooding is common in the rainy season when the
River Bank at Cite river water level rises. There are more damage on the left side of the Stream
31 Other
L'Oiseau riverbank due to the strong collision of water. However, past damage erosion
has been restored by constructing a retaining wall.
The bank erosion and flood are common in the rainy season. The base
Louis de Rochecouste Stream
32 of the houses has been eroded and the retaining walls of the houses Other
(Riviere Seche) erosion
are inclined.
The bank erosion and flood are remarkable in the rainy season.
Stream
33 Piper Morcellement Piat However, the past damage has been restored by constructing the Other
erosion
retaining wall.
A clear landslide site was confirmed at the backyard of the house. The
Candos Hill at
landslide topography and slope are clear while the spring water has
LallBahadoor Shastri
34 been observed. The scale of this landslide is small (40m x 35m) and no Slope Landslide
and Mahatma Gandhi
house on the landslide area. Only slight crack has been confirmed on
Avenues
the retaining wall.
Cavernous Area at Mgr A cavity was reported during the house construction but it was filled
35 Other cavern
Leen Avenue and Bassin with concrete. There is no further danger at this site.
At this slope, slope failure occurred in 2010, and a road was destroyed.
After a retaining wall was made as a countermeasure, large-scale
Morcellement Hermitage, slope failures have not been found. However, the stone blocks from on
36 Slope Slope failure
Coromandel top of the retaining wall have fallen down. This is likely caused by the
ground behind the retaining wall sinking due to lack of compaction of
the backfilling soil.
Weathered outcrops were detected on both sides of the bank. The Stream
37 Montee S, GRNW Other
erosion is remarkable in the rainy season. erosion

0-12
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Reference

1
Varnes, D. J., (1978, Slope movement 43. types and processes, in Schuster, R. L., and Krizek, R. J.,
eds., Landslides—Analysis and control: Transportation Research Board Special Report 176,
National Research Council, Washington, D.C., pp. 11-23.
2
Public Works Research Institute, 2004, Manual for Highway Earthworks in Japan Technical
Memorandum of Public Works Research Institute, No.3924-2
3
Fujiwara, A., 1979, Analysis and Prevention Plan of Landslides, Rikoh Pub. Co., Tokyo. (in
Japanese)

0-13
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

1 Introduction
“Technical Guideline for Initial Survey (hereinafter the Guideline)” has been prepared as a
procedure guideline for landslide survey/countermeasures on emergency landslide disasters.
The Guideline is specialized for landslide disasters in Mauritius.

The Guideline covers what actions should be taken in the event of a landslide disaster, and
includes the procedures the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Land Transport (MPI)
should implement in such an event. The procedures are composed of a literature survey, an
initial site survey, emergency response, a detailed survey plan etc. The detailed
survey/analysis/monitoring and the design/construction after the discussion of the survey plan
are described in “Procedure Manual for Landslide”.

The scope of application of the Guideline is indicated in the following figure and the contents
of it are in the table on the following page.

LANDSLIDE

Technical
Guideline for
Initial Survey
Literature survey

Initial survey at site

Emergency response

Detaiedl survey plan

Procedure
Manual for
Survey and analysis Landslide
Consensus building
for local residents

Monitoring and early warning/evacuation

Design of structural
countermeasures
Relocation and
compensation
Construction of
countermeasures

Completion

Figure 1.1.1 The scope of Application of the Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

(source: JET)

1-1
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Table1.1.1 The contents of the Technical Guideline for Initial Survey (source: JET)

Cp. Title Contents

- Contents, objectives, flow of the guideline
1 Introduction - Outline of landslides in Mauritius
- Workflow of initial survey
- Data to be collected and data utilization
2 Literature survey
- Regulation of laws and land-use
- Setting of target areas
3 Initial survey at site - Site survey and analysis
- Monitoring for initial survey
- Structure measures
4 Emergency response - Evacuation and relocation
- Early warning system
- Outline of detailed survey
5 Detailed survey plan
- Outline of countermeasure policy

The Landslide Management Unit (LMU) of MPI should renew appropriately the contents of
the Guideline to make it more usable and rational based on the case examples and issues in
Mauritius.

1-2
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

2 Literature Survey
In case of an emergency landslide disaster, literature survey is necessary to understand the
rough outline and general information of the landslide before visiting the landslide site. The
literature survey is mainly composed of 1) data collection and 2) confirmation of related laws
and regulations on landslides. In this chapter, the methods and the significance of the
literature survey are elaborated.

2.1 Data Collection and its Utilization

2.1.1 Data Collection

The objectives of data collection are to grasp the features and characteristics of the targeted
landslide before visiting the landslide site. The data to be collected are geomorphology,
geology, vegetation, meteorology, hydrology, landslide history and disaster records in the
area. The necessary information on the landslide should be extracted from the collected data.
The following table indicates the data to be collected as a preliminary survey of the landslide.

Table 2.1.1 List of the Data to be Collected (source: JET)

Data classification Items

Geomorphology and geology ➢ Topographic map (Scale= 1/1,000-1/5,000)
➢ Aerial photo (Scale= 1/8,000-1/40,000)
➢ Geological map (Scale= 1/50,000-1/200,000)
➢ Land use map
➢ Landform classification map
Landslide history and disaster ➢ Report on geotechnical investigation/analysis
records ➢ Report on construction (road, house, bridge etc.)
➢ Report on disaster record and landslide history
➢ Thesis, paper, note on landslide
➢ Newspaper
Meteorology and hydrology ➢ Rainfall data (hourly, daily, monthly)
➢ Data on water level and river flow
➢ Data on ground water level

Interviews of local residents and local municipalities are able to provide useful and practical
information on the landslide disaster as well as the data collection. The following items
should be confirmed in the interview survey:

➢ Location/degree/volume of abnormalities on landslide

➢ Volume/direction/speed of mass movement
➢ Condition of surface water flow/groundwater/spring water
➢ Condition of rainfall
➢ Location/degree/volume of damage (houses, buildings, roads, other infrastructure etc.)
➢ Disaster records in the past
➢ Social condition, geographic condition and law/regulations of the area

2.1.2 Aerial Photograph (geomorphological) Interpretation

Landslide prone areas are areas likely to have active landslides and are associated with

2-1
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

certain types of micro landforms in Figure 2.1.1; therefore topographical and

geomorphological interpretation is important for landslide identification. Geomorphologic
interpretation is implemented with aerial photographs and topographic maps to identify
landslide forms and potential landslide areas.

Figure 2.1.1 Micro Landforms in a Landslide1

Micro landforms, historical landslide formations, land use and vegetation are identified with
aerial photograph interpretation. The micro landforms caused by landslide movement are
interpreted using a large scale aerial photograph such as 1:10,000 or larger. Aerial
photograph interpretation is a useful method of finding several causes of landslides over a
wide area. In case that it is impossible to obtain the stereo images of an aerial photograph, a
topographic map can be substituted for the aerial photograph.

Stereoscopic images are obtained from stereo type photographs using a stereoscope. The
micro landforms and the geomorphologic features caused by landslide movement are
identified with the stereo image.

Figure 2.1.2 Aerial Photo Interpretation using a Stereo Scope (source: JET)

Characteristics of the conditions which may cause landslides are shown below:

A topographic map also provides information of the slope conditions which may be related to
landslide movement. Larger scale of topographic map, 1/10,000 or larger, is preferable for

2-2
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

the interpretation with topographic maps. Characteristics of the conditions which may cause
landslides are shown below:

➢ Irregular and winding contour lines

➢ Scarps, steps, cracks, depressions, ponds and swamps on gentle slopes
➢ No major or visible stream lines

The topographic characteristics of landslides that aid in interpretation are summarised in

Figure 2.1.3 and 2.1.4.

Figure 2.1.3 Characteristics related to Landslides2

Figure 2.1.4 Comparison of Contour Lines in a Landslide Area (left) and Area with no
Landslides (right) (source: JET)

The result of the interpretation is compiled as a landslide distribution map. An example of a

legend used in the interpretation of landslides is shown in the following figure.

2-3
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Figure 2.1.5 An Example of a Legend for Interpreting Landslides (source: JET)

Table 2.1.2 shows the classification of landslides. Landslides are classified into several types
by topographic and geological characteristics. The table classifies the type of landslide based
on topographic and geological features, most of which are able to be identified with aerial
photograph (geomorphological) interpretation.

2-4
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Table 2.1.2 General Classification of Landslides2

Type Weathered rock Strongly-weathered

Rock block slide Colluvium slide
Feature slide rock slide
Horseshoe-shaped, Horseshoe-shaped, Horseshoe-shaped, Bottleneck-shaped,
Square-shaped Square-shaped Square-shaped, Valley-shaped
Planar shape
Bottleneck-shaped
Valley-shaped
Convex and ridge Convex and mono Convex and Concave and gentle
Micro topography
-shape terrace -shape multi-terrace shape slope-shape
Shape of slip Chair like, Ship like Chair like, Ship like
Stepwise, Laminar Stepwise, Laminar
surface shape shape
Ex-name New born stage Immature stage Mature stage Elder stage
Bedrock or Weathered rock (Many Earth and sand including Boulder or
Material
Gentle-weathered rocks clacks) rocks Earth and sand including
(Head part)
rocks
Material Weathered rocks Earth and sand including Earth and sand including Clay,
(Toe part) boulder rocks, clay Clay including rocks
Movement Around
Over 2cm/day 0.5~1.0cm/day Under 0.5cm/day
velocity 1.0~2.0cm/day
Short and sudden event Intermittent Intermittent Intermittent
Movement (Once (Once 5-20 years) (Once 1-5 years)
continuity from decades
to centuries)
Flat (Chair like shape) Flat Circular slip and linear Head part: Circular slip
Figure of slip
(Head and toe parts: a shape, Most part: flow condition
surface
bit circular slips) Fluidized toe
Normally, 1 block Generating Upper slope of landslide Whole slope of landslide
secondary-derived can be divided into 2-3 can be divided into many
Number of blocks
landslides on side and blocks. blocks. Their movement
toe of landslide links each other.
Quite difficult Possible Possible Easy
Needed detailed Using topographic maps Using topographic maps Site investigation
Difficulty level of
exploration and (1/3,000~1/5,000) or (1/5,000~1/10,000) or
prediction
analysing aerial photographs door-to-door
investigation
Unclear terrace, Convex Clear scarp, A band of Main scarp, Pond, Unclear terrace on upper
slopes, Generating from depression and terrace. Swamp, Depression, slope, Uniform gentle
General slope
saddleback Concave in macro point Concave slopes. slope, Valley shape
shape
of view but generally
convex
Massive construction, Torrential rainfall, Snow melting, Typhoon, Heavy rainfall, Snow
Sunken slope, Exceeding snow melting Torrential rainfall, melting, Snow cover,
Main causes Earthquake, heavy and washout, construction River-erosion,
rainfall Earthquake, Mid-scale Small-scale construction
constructions
Effects of fault and A wide distribution of A wide distribution of Distribution of Neogene,
fracture zone crystalline schist area, crystalline schist area, fracture zone
Main geology and
Neogene stratigraphy, Neogene stratigraphy
the structure
Effects of fault and
fracture zone

2.2 Confirmation of the Legal Systems/schemes and Development

Restriction/Land-use Control

2.2.1 Confirmation of the Cyclone and Other Natural Disasters Scheme

The schemes of emergency response for cyclones, torrential rain, tsunamis, high waves and
landslides are indicated in National Disaster Scheme (NDS) 2015 in Mauritius.

2-5
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

The chapter on landslides in the scheme contains monitoring, actions by Local Authorities,
response by related ministries/agencies and warning/evacuation system.

The warning/evacuation system has three stages based on monitoring data of rainfall and
displacement.

There is a list of landslide-prone areas in the NDS which is shown below.

Table 2.2.1 List of Landslide-prone Areas in Mauritius3

No District Council/ Municipality Area Name

1 City Council of Port Louis Chitrakoot, Vallée des Prêtres
2 Vallée Pitot (near Eidgah)
3 Mgr. Leen Street and nearby vicinity, La Butte
4 Old Moka Road, Camp Chapelon
5 Grand Port District Council Quatre Soeurs, Marie Jeanne, Khummah Street,
Old Grand Port
6 Municipality of Quatre Bornes Candos Hill at Lall Bahadoor Shastri and Mahatma
Gandhi Avenues

When a landslide occurs or a landslide disaster is a concern at a site, it should be checked

whether the site is on the list. If the site is on the list, the relevant information such as disaster
records, detailed topographic map, drawings of construction works for development
in/surrounding the site, reports and others might be available from related
ministries/agencies/local authorities. The information will be useful for the investigation of
the landslide block, estimation of damage area, examination of the critical value of
displacement, consideration of emergency countermeasures, etc. Therefore, the
landslide-prone regions in the Disaster Scheme should be checked.

2.2.2 Confirmation of the proposed Landslide-Prone Areas and Landslide Hazard Zones

In the Project of Landslide Management in the Republic of Mauritius by JICA (hereinafter

the Project), Landslide-Prone Areas and Landslide Hazard Zones are proposed to identify
specific landslide affected areas for concrete and effective structural/non-structural
countermeasures, even as the technical transfer for the identification and making a map which
includes the information of the Landslide-Prone Areas and Landslide Hazard Zones has been
conducted in the Landslide Management Unit (hereinafter LMU) of MPI.

< Landslide-Prone Area>

• There is a possibility of occurrence of landslide disaster by development, climate change

and others.

• Landslide-Prone Area is less active compared with a Landslide Hazard Zone.

< Landslide Hazard Zone >

• An area which poses a danger to the lives/bodies of the residents and building damage
when a landslide disaster occurs in a Landslide-Prone Area.

2-6
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

• Area within a distance equivalent to the length of the landslide mass from the bottom
end of the landslide area (250 m if the length of the landslide mass is longer than 250 m)

• Landslide area (area which is currently prone to landslides or possibly vulnerable to

landslides in future)

The following figure shows an example of sample image of a Landslide-Prone Area and
Landslide Hazard Zone.

Landslide Hazard Zone (Yellow zone)

Landslide Special Hazard Zone (Red zone)

Figure 2.2.1 Example of a Landslide-Prone Area and Landslide Hazard Zone4

When a landslide occurs or there is concern of a landslide disaster occurring at a site, it

should be checked whether the site is in a Landslide-Prone Area or a Landslide Hazard Zone
to confirm the existing landslide block, affected area and others.

2.2.3 Confirmation of Development Restrictions/Land-use Controls

(1) Settlement Boundary

Following figure shows an example of the settlement boundary and a landslide prone area.
According to the Outline Planning Scheme (hereinafter OPS), which covers areas that are
prone to landslides, such areas are designated as developable land upon gaining approval for
development from the Local Authority (see figure below, orange coloured boundary shows
the developable area and black frame shows the landslide prone area).

2-7
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Landslide prone area

Figure 2.2.2 Example of a settlement boundary5

If the landslide site is within a settlement boundary, a review of the boundary will be required
to avoid the landslide disaster risk by development in the future.

(2) Protection of National Parks

National Parks should be protected from development except as allowed under the National
Parks and Wildlife Act and are shown on the Development Strategy Map and Development
Management Map in OPS, conservation management plans prepared or being prepared by the
Ministry responsible for Agro-Industry, Food Production and Security and Fisheries’
National Parks and Conservation Service, or for educational purposes, visitor facilities or in
the national interest. Development in National Parks which would destroy or adversely affect
the area’s natural environment should not normally be permitted.

If the landslide site is in a National Park, a landslide countermeasure plan should be prepared
and assessed in conjunction with the Ministry responsible for Agro-Industry and Fisheries,
Ministry responsible for Environment and Ministry responsible for Housing and Lands.

(3) Protection of Nature Reserves

All Nature Reserves designated under the Forests and Reserves Act and shown on the
Development Management Maps in OPS should be protected from development except as
allowed under the said Act, or for educational purposes, visitor facilities or in the national
interest or are being prepared by the Ministry responsible for Agro-Industry and Fisheries’
National Park Conservation Service. Development in protected Nature Reserves which would
destroy or adversely affect the area’s natural environment should not normally be permitted
unless supported by an approved environmental management plan and an Environmental
Impact Assessment in accordance with the EPA (Amendment of Schedule) Regulations.

If the landslide site is in a Nature Reserve, a landslide countermeasure plan should be

prepared and assessed in conjunction with the Ministry responsible for Agro-Industry and
Fisheries, Ministry responsible for Environment and Ministry responsible for Housing and
Lands.

(4) Protection of River Valley

All River Reserves should normally be protected from development by the Forests and

2-8
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Reserves Act. Exceptions may be made for works deemed essential for water abstraction,
flow regulation, flood control and for road crossings. Clearing and replanting of river
reserves shall only be carried out with authorization from the Conservator of Forests.

If the landslide site is near a river, a landslide countermeasure plan should be prepared and
assessed in conjunction with the Ministry responsible for Agro-Industry and Fisheries,
Ministry responsible for Environment and Ministry responsible for Housing and Lands.

(5) Conservation of Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Further to more detailed identification, mapping and classification of Environmentally

Sensitive Areas (hereinafter ESAs) by the Ministry responsible for Environment and in
addition to any requirements under the Environment Protection Act, the natural functions,
biodiversity, habitat and amenity of ESAs should be protected from adverse effects of
development.

Where the ESAs are indicated on the Development Management Maps in OPS there should
be a general presumption against development other than for educational or environmental
management purposes or in order to sustain local economies or where development is
deemed to be in the national interest and is acceptable on planning and environmental
grounds. In case of discrepancy between the ESAs shown on the Development Management
Maps and the ESA map at the Ministry of Environment, the project proponent should consult
the Ministry of Environment.

If the landslide site is within an ESA, a landslide countermeasure plan will be required to first
obtain an Environmental Impact Assessment license under the Environment Protection Act as
subsequently amended, prior to seeking a building and land use permit.

(6) Conservation of Water Resources

The existing and proposed dams/reservoirs and their catchment areas and the rivers that
supply water into them should be safeguarded against pollution, erosion and deforestation.
Development within thirty metres of the high water level of the dams and adjacent to rivers,
rivulets and streams, open canals or within the catchment areas should not normally be
permitted, unless the developer has obtained written agreement from the Water Resources
Unit/Ministry of Public Utilities and the Sanitary Authority that the proposals do not pose a
threat to the quality or quantity of surface or groundwater resources. A passage one meter
wide shall be left along one or other side of every canal along its whole length and kept free
from obstruction. No development should be permitted within a two hundred metres radius of
a borehole or spring without consultation and prior written approval of the Water Resources
Unit/Ministry of Public Utilities.

If the landslide site is near a water resource, a landslide countermeasure plan should be
prepared and assessed in conjunction with Water Resources Unit/Ministry of Public Utilities
and the Sanitary Authority.

2-9
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Reference

1
Varnes, D. J., 1978, Slope movement 43. types and processes, in Schuster, R. L., and Krizek, R. J.,
eds., Landslides—Analysis and control: Transportation Research Board Special Report 176,
National Research Council, Washington, D.C., pp. 11-23.
2
JASDM & JCTC, 1995, Japan Association for Slope Disaster Management and Japan Construction
Training Centre. Textbook of landslide prevention technical training.
3
Ministry of Environment, Sustainable Development, and Disaster and Beach management, 2015,
National Disaster Scheme (NDS) 2015 edition
4
JICA Study Team, 2013
5
Ministry of Housing and Lands on behalf of the Town and Country Planning Board, 2006, Outline
Planning Scheme for Grand Port Savanne District Council Area (as subsequently modified in
November 2011)

2-10
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

3 Initial Survey at Site

The purpose of the initial site survey is to recognize the area, cause and activity of a target
landslide as soon as possible. The results of the initial site survey are used for the emergency
response, which is a structural measure, evacuation and early warning (Chapter4).

3.1 Setting of Target Landslide Areas

Because a landslide may occur in a large number of areas in the case of cyclones and the
heavy rains of the rain season, it may be necessary to select the target landslide area from a
large number of landslide areas to take precedence for the initial site survey. When there is a
report that multiple landslides have occurred, the target landslide area for the initial site
survey shall be chosen promptly based on the information from the local government and
other organizations concerned. However, if it is not possible to determine the target landslide
area from the information provided, site confirmation by the engineer is necessary.

The flowchart for determining the target landslide area is shown below.

Start ・・・Many landslides occurred

Information from the local government

and other organizations

Yes
There is already damage
on a house and the road

No

Yes
House and the road may
be damaged in future

No

On-site confirmation

Yes
An additional survey
is necessary

No

NOT a target Target landslide area for initial site survey

Figure 3.1.1 Flowchart for Determining the Target Landslide Area (source: JET)

3-1
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

3.2 Site Survey and Analysis

During the initial site survey, the following items are investigated. These items are listed in
the order they are usually carried out. However, in an emergency situation, they should be
carried out in parallel.

1) Confirmation of the landslide area and the movement direction

2) Emergency monitoring for landslide
3) Estimation of the cause of the landslide occurrence
4) Prediction of landslide activity
5) Estimation of the influence area

3.2.1 Confirmation of the Landslide Area and the Movement Direction

When a landslide occurs, the first item performed is to confirm the landslide area and
movement direction.

When confirming the landslide area, it is important that the neighbouring landforms and
deformations are investigated as well as the main landslide body. Therefore, the backward
and neighbouring slopes of the landslide body should be investigated carefully. The
viewpoints of the investigation are as follows:

Table 3.2.1 Viewpoints of the Investigation (source: JET)

a) Upper end of the main body b) Bottom end of the main body
c) Lateral border of the main body d) Movement direction
e) Crack and other deformations of the backward/neighbouring slope
f) Damage to a house / road / other structure
g) Geological features h) Spring water/surface water

e) Crack and other deformations of

a) Upper end of the main body the backward/neighboring slope

c) Lateral border of the main body

f) Damage of the house / road /

other structure

h) Spring water/surface water

g) Geological feature
d) Movement direction
b) Bottom end of the main body
* It is corrected Varnses, D. J. (1978)
Figure 3.2.1 Viewpoints of the Investigation (source: JET)

3-2
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

3.2.2 Emergency Monitoring for Landslide

In an emergency situation, it is not possible to carry out monitoring by drilling from the
viewpoint of the time and security of the work. Therefore, for emergency monitoring,
measurement of the ground surface displacement of the landslide is effective. The method for
monitoring the landslide earth surface displacement is shown below.

A scalp (cliff) of the landslide head and the cracks are monitored by an extensometer and/or
simplified extensometer. Cracks on buildings and roads are monitored by vernier calipers
and/or a laser distance meter. The results of the monitoring are used to estimate the landslide
cause and the activity, as well as for early warning and evacuation.

Table 3.2.2 Emergency Monitoring Types and Equipment (source: JET)

type Equipment
Extensometer Measuring the amount of movement, * It is effective for monitoring the upper
recording data continuously part of the landslide where the
deformations are not seen from the
ground surface.
Extensometer

Simplified Simple deformation detection board, Laser Extensometer

extensometer easy, and many can be set up.

Others Crack monitoring with Vernier Caliper Using a Total-Station, the displacement of
on concrete wall. the landslide is measured from a
distance.

3-3
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

3.2.3 Estimate of the Cause of the Landslide Occurrence

It is very important that the cause of the landslide occurrence is estimated in predicting future
landslide activity. The cause of the landslide occurrence is divided into a basic factor and an
exciting cause (trigger).

・ Basic factor: Topography / Geological feature

・ Exciting cause (Trigger): Rain / Groundwater / Artificial topography modification

The examples in the study of the cause of the landslide are shown below. Because a method
to remove an exciting cause (trigger) is effective for an emergency countermeasure, the
estimate of the exciting cause is extremely important.

Table 3.2.3 Examples in the Study of the Cause of the Landslide (source: JET)

Courses Items Examples

Characteristic landslide shape,
Topography Scarp, Cliff, Slope angle, Steps, Uplift, Subsidence, Bulging at lower
Basic factor
part
Geological feature Soil, Rock, Colluvium, etc.
Rain Rain data (Meteorological Agency / field observation)
Spring water, Pond, the quantity of water
Exciting Groundwater
Surface water, Drainage (damage)
cause
Artificial
(Trigger) Cut slope (Excavation at toe part of a landslide)
topography
Embankment, (Filling at top/middle of a landslide)
modification

3.2.4 Prediction of the Landslide Activity

a. Prediction Form the Landform and Deformation

1) The case that landslide mass completely slides down has low activity in future, and the
stability is relatively high.

Original surface

1
Figure 3.2.2 Case 1: Landslide Mass Completely Slides Down

2) As for the case that a distal end of landslide mass rises, the landslide activity often
becomes dormant, because it is estimated that the sliding surface is a horizontal or
reverse incline.

3-4
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

For the formation of the resistance,

the landslide activity often
becomes dormant

1
Figure 3.2.3 Case 2: Distal End of Landslide Mass Rises

3) The case that the inclination of the downward slope is gentle, the landslide activity often
becomes dormant for a reason same as case 2.

For the formation of the resistance,

the landslide activity often
becomes dormant

1
Figure 3.2.4 Case 3: Inclination of the Downward Slope is gentle

4) The case that the inclination of the downward slope is steep, the landslide does not stop
easily.

Because collapse occurs continuously in

the distal end of the landslide, the
landslide does not stop easily

1
Figure 3.2.5 Case 4: Inclination of the Downward Slope is Steep

b. Prediction Form the Landform and Deformation

Generally, because the displacement of the landslide suddenly accelerates just before collapse,
the activity of the future landslide is estimated by monitoring landslide displacement. It is
necessary to be careful about future sudden displacement increase even if there is not the
movement of the landslide at present.

3-5
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Collapse!
Collapse?

Displacement

Displacement
Now

Stillness?
Time Time
a) Case of collapses b) Case before the collapse

Figure 3.2.6 Change Pattern of the Landslide Displacement (source: JET)

3.2.5 Estimate of the Influence area

When a landslide area spreads, there is the risk that heavy damage will occur. The possibility
of the landslide area expanding should be sufficiently considered in the initial site survey.

If a landslide movement area is identified, the danger zone where a landslide mass will reach
must be estimated. As a result of a study of landslide disasters in Japan1), in 95% of
landslides, the danger zone where the landslide mass reached was less than two times the
length and width of the landslide body. Therefore, the danger zone shown below should be
referred to when an early warning and/or evacuation is considered.

A: Landslide block
B: Zone with a basic factor same as A
C: Danger zone where a landslide mass reaches
A+B: Landslide hazard zone
A+B+C: landslide prone area
L: Length of landslide block
W: Width of landslide block

1
Figure 3.2.7 Landslide Danger Zone

3-6
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Reference

1
Public Works Research Institute, 2007, A guidance and commentary of the prevention technology of
the landslide, Japan

3-7
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

4 Emergency Response
4.1 Structural Countermeasure Work
The aim of the emergency structural countermeasure is to mitigate landslide activity, to
minimise damage by landslide disaster and to release the warning status at an early stage. As
there are cases where premature measure work may foment landslide activity, the type and
layout of the emergency measure shall be decided carefully in consideration of the cause of the
landslide and actual site conditions. Otherwise, the result of the work will have insufficient
effect or even worse conditions. At the very least, before consideration of countermeasure
works, the area and cause of the target landslide shall be recognised.

Generally, structural countermeasure work in an emergency shall be applied control works

because control works can be conducted in a short time. The control works below can be
considered as emergency countermeasure work for landslides.

It is thought that the main causes of landslides in Mauritius are artificial topographical changes
by excavation work or soil filling work and hydraulic environment changes by runoff water or
the rising groundwater level in the rainy season.

In the case of landslides caused by artificial topographical changes, the site shall be
rehabilitated to its original condition as far as possible. If the rehabilitation of site conditions is
difficult or the landslide occurred due to natural causes such as changes in hydraulic conditions,
the following works can be considered as emergency countermeasure work:

・ Soil removal work (Excavation work)

・ Counter weight work
・ Drainage work
・ Detours
These countermeasures are works just for emergency situations and to mitigate damage by
landslide provisionally. It is recommended that expected the factor of safety shall be secured
at 1.05 by the emergency countermeasure works. After installation of the works, permanent
countermeasures shall be examined and installed based on the results of a detailed investigation.

The points of the emergency countermeasure works are described below.

4.1.1 Soil Removal Work

The aim of the work is to increase the stability of the landslide block by removing soil at the
head of the landslide. The work is simple earth work and has high workability. However, there
are cases where the landslide itself or another slope behind the landslide might become unstable
depending on the location of the applied work (refer to (i) and (ii) in the figure below).
Therefore, the location of the applied work shall be considered and decided on carefully.
Additionally, debris at the toe of the landslide shall not be removed rashly (refer to (iv) in the
figure below). Otherwise, it will encourage further landslide activity.

It will be difficult to apply the work in residential areas or on private land because the work
will change the environmental conditions at the work site. According to the impact on
environmental conditions at the site, the area of excavation shall be minimal. It is recommended
that the area of excavation be decided based on the results of simple stability analysis to achieve

4-1
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

the planned factor of safety.

New landslide?

Soil removal work

Potential
Target Landslide slip surface

Excavation line
ce
surfa
Slip

(i) Soil removal work at the head of a landslide will have a good effect on stability itself but it
may also trigger a new landslide behind the target landslide.

Soil removal work Soil removal work

Excavation line

ce Excavation line
rfa ce
su rfa
Sl
ip su
ip
Sl

(ii) Excavation work conducted as shown in the (iii) Excavation at the head of the landslide block
above figure will contribute to the instability with an appropriate slope gradient will
of the target landslide due to lack of soil at contribute to the stability of the target
the lower part of the landslide block1 landslide

Target Landslide

Soil removal work

su rface
Slip

Excavation line

(iv) Excavation at the toe of a landslide will encourage instability of the target landslide.
Therefore, the excavation shall not be conducted at the toe of a landslide even though
there is a possibility that houses or public facilities are damaged by further landslide
activity.
Figure 4.1.1 Example of Soil Removal Work at the Head and Unstable Part of Target
Landslide (source: JET)

4-2
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

4.1.2 Counter Weight Work

The aim of the work is to increase the load of the lower part of the landslide block and shear
resistance force by installation of filling at the toe of the landslide.

In the case that bulging at the lower part of a landslide block is found, the counter weight work
will be quite an efficient countermeasure against landslide. However, there is a possibility that
the foundation of the embankment will fail if the lower part of the landslide becomes loose due
to disturbance by landslide activity, and also another landslide block may potentially exist
below the location of the embankment.

The surface of the embankment slope shall be covered with a gabion or sandbags to avoid
erosion of the embankment soil.

It shall be noted that there may be cases where the effect of the work will not be as expected
according to shape of the slip surface (refer to (i) and (ii) of the figure below).

Generally, water springs or seepage are found at the toe of landslides. In that case, counter
weight work may cause the groundwater level in the landslide block to rise as a result of
blocking the discharge of spring water. Therefore, in the case that the counter weight work is
installed where there is a spring or seepage, highly permeable material shall be used for the
work with a gabion or drainage pipes shall be installed to discharge spring water properly.

It is recommended that the location, figure and volume of the embankment are decided based
on the results of simple stability analysis.

Since a huge space of land will be required for the work, it might be difficult to apply the work
in residential areas or on private land.

4-3
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Counter weight
Counter weight

ce
rfa
p su
Sli ce
rfa
p su
Sli

(i) In the case that a slip surface appears (ii) In the case that a slip surface appears
straight, the safety factor of the landslide curved, an increase in the safety factor of
will not be drastically changed by the the landslide can be expected by the
counter weight work. counter weight work.

(iii) The slope of the counterweight filling (iv) In the case that a spring or seepage is
work shall be covered by a gabion or found at the toe of the landslide, weep
sandbags to avoid erosion. holes shall be installed in the
filling/embankment to avoid a rise of the
groundwater level in the landslide.
Figure 4.1.2 Points of Installation of Counter Weight Work (source: JET)

Figure 4.1.3 Large-sized Sandbags2 Figure 4.1.4 Gabion wall for Counter Weight
(source: JET)

4.1.3 Drainage Work

In the case that a pond or swamp is found at the upper part of the landslide, the pond shall be
cut drainage to discharge as much as possible. The opened crack shall be covered by a plastic
sheet to avoid intrusion into the landslide block. A plastic pipe shall also be provisionally
installed at the water spring and existing water course.

4-4
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

E
AG
AIN
EDR
FAC
Landslide

R
SU

Figure 4.1.5 Example of Arrangement of Surface Drainage (source: JET)

Drainage shall be installed outside the landslide block. Drainage in the landslide block is at risk
of being damaged by landslide activity. In the case that drainage is damaged, water will
infiltrate the landslide block through the damaged drainage and encourage landslide activity.
Therefore, drainage shall not be installed in the landslide block whenever possible. If drainage
has to be installed in the landslide block, the drainage shall have a flexible structure to follow
the changes in topographical features due to landslide activity.

4.1.4 Detour

In the case that a lifeline such as a national road is damaged by landslide, a detour shall be
made to secure the traffic route temporarily. The detour shall be made out of the landslide block.
After stopping landslide activity by installation
of a permanent countermeasure, the damaged
road can be rehabilitated and used on the
original route.

When the detour route is planned, the Landslide

possibility of another landslide occurring due

Te
to construction of the detour shall be m
po
ra
lly
examined. DE
TO
UR

In the case that there is no space to make a safe

detour, a temporary detour shall be made on
the original road even if the gradient of the
road is steep to avoid encouraging landslide Figure 4.1.6 Detour on the Original Road
activity. (source: JET)

4.2 Evacuation and Relocation Support

4.2.1 Evacuation

(1) In case of the pilot sites by the Project

In the Project of Landslide Management in the Republic of Mauritius (hereinafter the Project),

4-5
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

the draft contingency plan has been made for the three pilot sites which are Chitrakoot, Quatre
Soeurs and Vallée Pitot (hereinafter CK: Chitrakoot, VP: Vallée Pitot, QS: Quatre Soeurs). The
contingency plan contains the followings (for details of the below, refer to the end of this
guideline.)

- Location map of evacuators: it is a map which has information of location of houses

evacuators live.

- Evacuee list: it is a list of all evacuees in a landslide site which have the name and contact
of inhabitants.

- Early waning and evacuation system flow: it is a guide for how to response when landslide
occurs.

- Instruction manual of simple rain gauge: it is a guide for how to deal with a simple rain
gauge.

- Communication network: it is made to clearly define from WHO to WHO to communicate

in case of warning stage based on simple rain gauges and alert system.

- Location map of the designed refugee centre and the route: it has information of refugee
centre and the route from residence on a map

If a landslide occurs in the pilot sites, the above contingency plan can be utilized. Table 4.2.1
shows the flow of early waning and evacuation in the pilot sites. And Figure 4.2.1 shows task
flow of related ministries/agencies for early waning and evacuation in the pilot sites.

4-6
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Table 4.2.1 Early Waning and Evacuation in the Pilot Sites (source: JET)

Category Content
Information MPI will collect the following information.
collection - Displacement
- Rainfall (by MMS)
- Anomalies (cracks, subsidence, etc.),
However, under the situation of Cyclone/Torrential Rain which is
described in the disaster scheme, the Special Mobile Force will take
readings of extensometers on hills and will communicate the
information to the MPI and the MMS.
Information Based on the above information collection, if one of the following
provision regarding conditions is confirmed, MPI informs the observation result to
the stage 1 (waning NDRRMC
stage) - MMS and MPI observes rainfall 75 mm (CK, VP)/100mm (QS),
or
- MPI confirms that the yellow light revolves, which means the
extension on ground is over 10 mm/day (CK, VP) , or
- MPI confirms minor anomalies (cracks, small substances, etc.)
Information Based on the above information collection, if one of the following
provision regarding conditions is confirmed, MPI inform the observation result to
the stage 2 NDRRMC
(evacuation stage) - MMS and MPI observe rainfall 100 mm (CK, VP)/200mm (QS),
or
- MPI confirms that the red light revolves and/or the sound beeps,
which means the extension on ground is over 20 mm/day (CK,
VP) , or
- MPI confirms the heavy damage to buildings.
Information Based on the above information collection, if all of the following
provision regarding conditions is confirmed, MPI inform the observation result to
the stage 3 NDRRMC
(Termination stage) - No rainfall of 0 mm in 6 hours (CK, VP, QS), and
- No ground displacement of 0 mm being recorded (CK, VP), and
- No new anomalies being confirmed
In case of sudden If the designated inhabitants obtain information regarding a sudden
landslides landslide occurrence, the information will be transferred to police and
NDRRMC to issue the stage 2 (evacuation stage)
In case of When MMS observes the designated threshold which is shown the
landslides during above under the situation of the issue of a Cyclone Warning
Cyclone Class/Torrential Rain Warning, MMS inform the observation result to
Warning/Torrential NDRRMC.
Rain Warning

4-7
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Information collection
- Displacement - The Police Department (PD) will visit
- Rainfall the landslide-prone areas and advise
- Anomalies (cracks, subsidence, etc.) the residents to start all preparations
for an eventual evacuation
- The MBC and Private Radios will be
broadcast the warning.
- The Ministry of Health and Quality of
- Rainfall 75 mm (CK, Life and the PD will make
VP)/100mm (QS), or arrangements for the transfer to
- Yellow light revolves, or hospitals of disabled people.
- Minor anomalies - First Aid Service providers may be
invited to extend their assistance
- Ministry of Social Security, National
MPI informs the observation result to NDRRMC Solidarity and Reform Institutions,
Ministry of Gender Equality, Child
Development and Family Welfare will
Issue of the Stage 1 (waning stage) ensure that all Refugee Centres under
their respective control are opened
and made ready for use

- Rainfall 100mm (CK,

VP)/100mm (QS), or
- Red light revolves and/or the - The PD will order the inhabitants to
sound beeps, or evacuate
- heavy damage to buildings - The MBC and Private Radios will be
broadcast the evacuation
- Ministry of Social Security, National
Solidarity and Reform Institutions,
MPI informs the observation result to NDRRMC Ministry of Gender Equality, Child
Development and Family Welfare will
ensure that all Refugee Centers under
Issue of the Stage 2 (evacuation stage)
their respective control are opened
and made ready for use
- Ministry of Health and Quality of
Life will dispatch ambulances on site
for the conveyance of handicapped,
- No rainfall of 0 mm in 6 hours old and sick people, and any casualty
(CK, VP, QS), and cases to hospital
- No ground displacement of 0
mm being recorded (CK, VP),
and
- NDRRMC will give the all-clear
- No new anomalies
signal.
- The PD will inform the inhabitants of
the termination of the evacuation.
- The MBC and Private Radios will be
broadcast the termination of
MPI informs the observation result to NDRRMC
evacuation.

Issue of the Stage 3 (Termination stage)

Figure 4.2.1 Task Flow of Related Ministries/Agencies for Early Waning and Evacuation in
the Pilot Sites (source: JET)

(2) In case of landslide site other than pilot sites by the Project

If a landslide occurs in a site other than the pilot sites by the Project which are Chitrakoot,
Vallée Pitot, the following task shown on Table 4.2.2 by MPI will be required. And Figure
4.2.2 shows the task flow of MPI related ministries/agencies.

4-8
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Table 4.2.2 MPI’s Task for Early Waning and Evacuation in a Site Other than Pilot Sites by
the Project (source: JET)

Category Content
Information collection On being informed that the 30mm rainfall in 12 hours has been
recorded, MPI will start taking daily readings of extensometers to
measure ground displacement. MPI will also collect the following
information.
- Displacement
- Anomalies (cracks, subsidence, etc.),
- Other related information (such as date and time of
occurrence of landslide, location information of the landslide,
scale/extent of the landslide, degree of landslide disaster
damage)
However, under the situation of Cyclone/Torrential Rain which is
described in the disaster scheme, the Special Mobile Force will
take readings of extensometers on hills and will communicate the
information to the MPI and the MMS.
Information provision If MPI confirms ground displacement of 1cm in 24 hours, MPI
regarding the stage 1 inform the observation result to NDRRMC
(waning stage)
Information provision If MPI confirms ground displacement of 2mm in an hour, MPI inform
regarding the stage 2 the observation result to NDRRMC
(evacuation stage)
Information provision If MPI confirms no ground displacement and no new anomalies,
regarding the stage 3 MPI inform the observation result to NDRRMC
(termination stage)
In case of sudden If MPI obtains information regarding a sudden landslide
landslides occurrence, the information will transfer to NDRRMC to issue the
stage 2 (evacuation stage)
In case of landslides When MPI observes the designated threshold which is shown the
during Cyclone above under the situation of the issue of a Cyclone Warning
Warning/Torrential Class/Torrential Rain Warning, MPI inform the observation result
Rain Warning to NDRRMC.

4-9
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

- The Police Department （PD) will

visit the landslide-prone areas and
advise the residents to start all
preparations for an eventual
On being informed that the evacuation
30mm rainfall in 12 hours has - The MBC and Private Radios will
been recorded, MPI will start be broadcast the warning.
taking daily readings of - The Ministry of Health and Quality
extensometers to measure of Life and the PD will make
ground displacement arrangements for the transfer to
hospitals of disabled people.
- First Aid Service providers may be
invited to extend their assistance
- Ministry of Social Security, National
Solidarity and Reform Institutions,
Information collection Ministry of Gender Equality, Child
- Displacement
Development and Family Welfare
- Anomalies (cracks, subsidence, etc.),
will ensure that all Refugee Centers
- Other related information
under their respective control are
opened and made ready for use

- Ground displacement of
1cm in 24 hours - The PD will order the inhabitants to
evacuate
- The MBC and Private Radios will
be broadcast the evacuation
MPI informs the observation result to NDRRMC - Ministry of Social Security, National
Solidarity and Reform Institutions,
Issue of the Stage 1 (waning stage) Ministry of Gender Equality, Child
Development and Family Welfare
will ensure that all Refugee Centers
under their respective control are
- Ground displacement of opened and made ready for use
2mm in an hour - Ministry of Health and Quality of
Life will dispatch ambulances on
site for the conveyance of
MPI informs the observation result to NDRRMC handicapped, old and sick people,
and any casualty cases to hospital
Issue of the Stage 2 (evacuation stage)

- NDRRMC will give the all-clear

signal.
- No ground displacement and - The PD will inform the inhabitants
no new anomalies of the termination of the evacuation.
- The MBC and Private Radios will
be broadcast the termination of
MPI informs the observation result to NDRRMC
evacuation.

Issue of the Stage 3 (termination stage)

Figure 4.2.2 Task Flow of Related Ministries/Agencies for Early Warning and Evacuation in a
Site Other than Pilot Sites by the Project (source: JET)

4.2.2 Relocation Support

(1) Initial Survey for Relocation

In the initial survey, the information which is shown on the following table will be collected
through an interview survey of inhabitants and reconnaissance of a site. Based on the survey

4-10
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

result, the basic policy of the response to the landslide disaster damage area such as
countermeasure works, non-structural countermeasure and necessity of the relocation is
considered by the related ministries/agencies.

In case the deliberation reaches a conclusion that relocation is necessary, the explanation of the
relocation project will be conducted for the inhabitants (explanation of the survey result, the
purpose of the relocation project and its schedule; as well as to obtain consent of detailed survey,
etc.)

Table 4.2.3 Items and Content of the Initial Survey for Relocation (source: JET)

Category Item Content

Basic information Date and time of occurrence year-month-day-time format
of the affected area Address, place name
Number of the victims Total ___ persons (adult__,
children__, vulnerable people )
Class of disaster Landslide, Slope failure, other ( )
Number of damaged Total ___ buildings (houses ___, other
buildings ___)
Extent of disaster damage East to west ___m x North to south ___
m (___m2)
Basic condition of Name of the hazard area _____ Landslide Area
the affected area Type of the hazard Landslide-Prone Area, Landslide
Hazard Zone, other ( )
Designation date of the
hazard area
Current situation of the Complied with, in operation, under
disaster measures review, other ( )
Basic information Name
of the victims Address (plot on a map)
(head of the Age
household) Contact information
Occupation
Family structure
Basic information Name of owner/lessee
regarding the Date and time of disaster year-month-day-time format
affected lands damage occurrence
Address (plot on a map)
Area ___m2
Use Residential, Commercial, Agricultural,
Industrial, Forestry, Other ( )
Possession type Private, leased (private-owned,
nationally-owned)
Basic information Name of owner/lessee
regarding the Date and time of disaster year-month-day-time format
affected buildings damage occurrence
Address (plot on a map)
Area ___m2
Use Residential, Commercial, Agricultural,
Industrial, Forestry, Other ( )
Possession type Private, leased (private-owned,
nationally-owned)

4-11
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

(2) Detailed Survey of the Land, Building and Others for Relocation

The information regarding the right of the land, buildings and others should be confirmed to
implement the appropriate and effective work for relocation. In the detailed survey, the
information which is shown on the following table will be collected through an interview
survey of inhabitants, reconnaissance of a site, investigation of cadastral data/registration
records, land survey and investigation of the buildings.

4-12
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Table 4.2.4 Items and Content of the Detailed Survey for Relocation (source: JET)

Category Item Content

Detailed List of the victims (entire Name, Address, Age, Contact information,
information of family) Occupation, Relationship in family structure,
the victims Amount of revenue
Situation of land acquisition Acquired (own land, lease) or Not acquired.
for the relocation (In case of acquired, address: ___)
Situation of building Acquired (own building, lease) or Not
acquisition for the acquired. (In case of acquired, address: ___)
relocation
Necessity of the relocation
Conditions of a location for
the relocation
Detailed Name of owner/lessee
information of Address of the land (plot on a map)
the damage Address of the owner
about the land Date and time of disaster year-month-day-time format
damage occurrence
Condition of the damage Buried in the ground, Swept away, other ( )
Area of the land
Use Residential, Commercial, Agricultural,
Industrial, Forestry, Other ( )
Photo of the damage
In case of own land, Date of borrowing, Debt balance, Lender,
situation of a loan Borrowing period
In case of leased land private-owned or nationally-owned,
Name/address of lessor, Lease period, Rent,
Other conditions
Detailed Name of owner/lessee
information of Address of the building (plot on a map)
the damage Address of the owner
about the Date and time of disaster year-month-day-time format
building damage occurrence
Structure of the building Concrete block, Reinforced concrete, Steel,
Steel framed reinforced concrete, Wooden,
Other ( )
Condition of the damage Complete destruction, partial destruction,
buried in the ground, swept away, other ( )
Area of the building Total ___m2 (1st floor ___m2, 2nd floor
___m2, 3rd floor ___m2, other ___m2)
Use Residential, Shop, Storage, Office,
Workshop, Other ( )
Damage in parts and Roof ( ), Frame structure ( ), Wall ( ),
hazardous situation Fittings ( ), Floor ( ), Foundation ( ),
Other ( )
Photo of the damage
In case of own house, Date of borrowing, Debt balance, Lender,
situation of a loan Borrowing period
In case of leased house private-owned or nationally-owned,
Name/address of lessor, Lease period, Rent,
Other conditions

The confirmation of the possessor, right holder and other stakeholders is required through the
clarification of the location of the land/building and the registration record based on the
investigation of the cadastral map of Ministry of Housing and Lands. The collected data and

4-13
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

materials by the investigation of the cadastral map and registration record contain the personal
information. The information must not be used for anything besides the intended purpose and
the information must be managed carefully.

The land survey will be conducted after the location of the subject land of relocation, detailed
address, cadastral data, possessor, right holder and other stakeholders are confirmed based on
the investigation result of the cadastral map and registration record. The surveyors have to enter
the land of the stakeholders to conduct the land survey. It is needed to obtain the stakeholder’s
consent for and notify them of the intention to enter their land for the survey.

For the investigation of the buildings the consent of the stakeholders needs to be obtained in
order to enter their buildings to conduct the investigation. The objects of the investigation are
building, machinery, productive facility, barn, plumbing, garden tree, farm product and others.

When the land survey and investigation are finished, the record for each land/building
stakeholder should be prepared. And the records are required to be confirmed by stakeholders
with their signature.

The landslide area (includes areas of landslide activity and/or extremely high risk of landslide
damage) and areas adjacent to a landslide area (has a possibility of triggering a landslide or to
have a negative effect on the landslide area) will be examined by the related ministries/agencies
based on the survey result to consider the implementation of the relocation.

4.3 Landslide Warning Systems

4.3.1 Outline of Landslide Warning Systems

a. Definition of Landslide Warning

A landslide warning system is a system which predicts landslide disasters and allows people in
landslide risk areas to escape from the disaster. A landslide warning system cannot protect the
property of the people in a landslide risk area. It can only protect the lives of people in the area
from the landslide. A landslide warning system can be a temporary measure. This is the most
important matter when we consider landslide disaster management. To implement a landslide
warning system, we must find where the landslide risk areas are and predict when the landslide
disasters will occur.

b. Information for Landslide Warning

Prediction of the landslide disaster

To predict a landslide disaster, we must identify small phenomena caused by landslide.
Generally, small phenomena such as cracks or deformation of the ground and structures can be
seen prior to a landslide disaster. We must identify the small phenomena and monitor whether
they are getting worse or not using tools or instruments.

Location of the landslide risk areas

A landslide warning system is used to warn the residents in a landslide risk area to evacuate
when necessary. Therefore, the houses in landslide risk areas must be identified to conduct a
landslide warning. Landslide risk areas shall be identified by detailed investigations prior to
establishing the landslide warning system. A landslide risk area is both the area of a landslide
block and the surrounding area that can be affected. Landslide blocks can be confirmed by the
inventory survey and detailed investigations.

4-14
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Information Transfer
Once we predict the landslide disaster, the information must be transferred from the tools or
instruments to all residents in the landslide risk area. Therefore, a person to receive the
information from the tools or instruments and a person to transfer the information to all
residents must be appointed.

c. Evacuation

Injuries to people in a landslide disaster are mostly due to being buried under the debris of the
houses destroyed. The victims of landslide disasters are usually only the people in residential
houses in the landslide risk areas. Therefore, when a landslide warning is issued, the residents
in the landslide risk area should escape to a place away from the landslide risk area or at least
from their houses. It is not necessary for the people in the area to go to a refuge.

4.3.2 Warning
a. Phenomenon Initiate the Warning and Sensors
To issue a warning, we must find where the landslide risk areas are and predict when the
landslide disaster will occur. Once the location of the landslide had been identified and a
landslide warning system is established, the landslide warning system must predict the timing
of the landslide disaster. In order to predict the timing of the landslide disaster, we should find
and monitor the small phenomena which arise prior to the landslide There are two kinds of
phenomena in landslide risk areas we have to keep our eyes: a) small phenomena such as cracks
or deformation on the ground surface or structures caused by landslides and b) phenomena
which can cause landslides.

a) Small phenomena which can be seen everywhere in a landslide area should be found and
monitored. The movement of the ground surface, cracks on the ground, cracks on a
structure and movement of the subsurface are all possible phenomena caused by landslide.

b) In Mauritius, only an increase in groundwater level can cause landslides. As monitoring of

the groundwater level is sometimes difficult, precipitation monitoring can be performed as
an easy way to determine an increase in the groundwater level.

b. Instruments

The instrumentation for the landslide warning system generally consists of a sensor, a logger
and an alarm devise. An extensometer which can detect small movements of the ground surface
is often employed as an instrument for detecting small phenomena in a landslide. Because it is
easy to install, less trouble with a simple structure, easy to monitor automatically and easy to
attach a warning devise to, the extensometer is especially popular in Japan where less
protection barrier is required, as there are fewer burglars.

Other than extensometers, tiltmeters and crack gauges are employed for the monitoring of
landslides. However, they are not so popular compared with extensometers because they cannot
obtain the absolute value of the movement of a landslide.

Because rain gauges are also easy to handle and easy to install, rain gauges can be employed
for the landslide warning system in order to detect an increase in groundwater level indirectly.

4-15
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

The advantages of a rain gauge are that it does not require construction works such as drilling
works and can be installed anyplace where there is open air around the landslide area.

Extensometer
Extensometers should be installed at the top centre or bottom centre of the landslide block
where it can detect the movement of the landslide precisely.

Rain Gauge
A rain gauge can be installed in any open area around the landslide because precipitation does
not very much in a limited area. The rain gauge should be installed in a place away from trees
and buildings which can obstruct the rain falling on the rain gauge. Also, the rain gauge should
be at the height of one meter (1m) or more from the ground surface to prevent water and mud
splashing up from the ground surface.

Simple Devices
Simple devices such as an extensometer, a tiltmeter and a rain gauge can be used to monitor
the small phenomena which arise prior to a landslide in order to predict the timing of the
landslide disaster. Since these simple devices do not have either a logger or an alarm, someone
must always watch them.

Figure 4.3.1 Wire Extensometer Figure 4.3.2 Laser Extensometer

(source: JET) (source: JET)

Figure 4.3.3 Laser Extensometer, Vallée Pitot (source: JET)

4-16
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

A simple rain gauge consists of a funnel, a bottle (or

cylinder) and a hose. All materials can be easily obtained
in Mauritius.
The diameter of the funnel used for the simple rain gauge
installed in Chitrakoot is 128 mm.
The precipitation is as follows:

50 mm of precipitation = 643 cc
75 mm of precipitation = 965 cc
100 mm of precipitation = 1286 cc
200 mm of precipitation = 2572 cc

* V = R2H / 1000

V : volume of precipitation (cc)
R : diameter or the funnel (mm)
H : precipitation (mm)
Figure 4.3.4 Rain Gauge
(source: JET)

c. Criteria of Warning

The most important thing to establish the criteria of warning is to recognize the limit of
landslide movement or the limit of precipitation to keep the people secure. “People in danger”
means that houses are being destroyed by the landslide. The warning to evacuate the houses
must be issued a few hours before destruction by the landslide. In order to determine the timing
of when the houses are destroyed in the landslide, we must find the relationship between the
deformations recorded by the extensometers and the destruction of houses or precipitation and
the destruction of houses. However, there are no such records in Mauritius so we need to
accumulate such data to improve the landslide warning system.
The following are examples of establishing the criteria of warning in Chitrakoot and Vallée
Pitot in Mauritius.

Example of the criteria of warning on extensometers in Mauritius

There are three ways of using the displacement of extensometers for the landslide warning
system: total displacement, daily displacement and hourly displacement. Small landslides,
which account for most of the landslides in Mauritius, move fast immediately after they are
activated and their moving speeds are not constant. A short period of displacement of the
extensometer such as an hourly displacement is not suitable for the warning system in
Mauritius. The total displacement of the extensometer is not suitable in Mauritius either
because many landslides in Mauritius are constantly moving, even in the dry season. Therefore,
landslide management based on the daily displacement is the best way in Mauritius.

Automatic wire extensometers were installed in two landslide risk areas, Chitrakoot and Vallée
Pitot. The criteria are obtained based on the relationship between the displacement of the
extensometer and the landslide disaster. A landslide disaster occurred in Vallée Pitot on
February 25, 2013, and a house was partially destroyed. The extensometer (EV1) had been
installed near the site of the disaster, and it recorded a big displacement of the landslide. The
start of the displacement was recorded by the extensometer three days before the disaster. The
total displacement in the three days leading up to the disaster was 54.2mm, the maximum daily
displacement recorded two days before the disaster was 30.7mm, and the maximum hourly

4-17
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

displacement was 1.9mm, as shown in Figure 4.3.4. The daily displacement of 30.7mm was
the biggest daily displacement recorded by all extensometers installed in the project. Based on
the relationship between the landslide disaster and the records of the extensometer in Vallée
Pitot, a displacement of 30.4mm/day is the critical value to be evacuated. For the criteria for
evacuation and warning, we decided that a 20mm/day displacement of the extensometer is the
criterion for evacuation with a safety factor of 50%. A 10 mm/day displacement of the
extensometer, which is half of the evacuation criterion, is the criterion for warning. These
criteria have been decided based on only one landslide disaster. They may be reconsidered with
the accumulation of records by the extensometers and on landslide disasters.

Criterion for Evacuation: 20mm/day

Criterion for Alert Warning: 10mm/day

A house was destroyed by the

landslide on 25th Feb, 2013.

Figure 4.3.5 Record of the Extensometer on the Event of Disaster in Vallée Pitot (source:
JET)

Example of the Criteria of warning on rain gauges in Mauritius

As there are not many records of the hourly precipitation at landslide disasters in Mauritius,
the accumulated rainfall method is the best method in Mauritius. Figure 4.3.5 shows the
relationship between precipitation and disasters in Chitrakoot and Vallée Pitot in Mauritius.

In Chitrakoot in 2005, landslides damaged houses with 376mm of accumulated rainfall.

However, there was no damage to houses with 167mm of accumulated rainfall. In 2008 in
Chitrakoot, landslides damaged houses with 117mm and 176mm of accumulated rainfall. In
2013, the extensometer recorded big displacements with over 100mm of accumulated rainfall.
Although there are some exceptions, displacements of the ground increased in over 100mm of
accumulated rainfall and landslide disasters occurred in over 120mm of accumulated rainfall.
Therefore, the criteria for evacuation in Chitrakoot can be 100mm of accumulated rainfall.

In Vallée Pitot in 2007, landslides damaged houses with 385mm of accumulated rainfall. In
2013 in Vallée Pitot, a landslide damaged a house with 100mm of accumulated rainfall and the
extensometer recorded big displacements.

The criterion for the risk level of landslides in Vallée Pitot is 100mm of accumulated rainfall.

4-18
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Chitrakoot Vallée Pitot

Sudden
displacement

Figure 4.3.6 Relation between Precipitation and Disasters (source: JET)

Proposed criteria of warning by extensometers and rain gauges

Based on the results of the extensometers and rain gauges and the records of disasters in
Mauritius, the criteria for the risk levels of landslides were determined. Table 4.3.1 shows the
proposed criteria for the risk levels of landslides determined based on the monitoring records
in this project and the disaster records.

Table 4.3.1 Proposed Criteria of Risk Levels in 3 Areas (source: JET)

Stage Monitoring Criterion

Accumulated rain fall 75 mm
Stage 1 Alert
Ground displacement 10 mm / day
Accumulated rain fall 100 mm
Stage 2 Evacuation
Ground displacement 20 mm / day
No precipitation for
Accumulated rain fall
Stage 3 Termination 6 hours
Ground displacement 0 mm/ 6 hours

d. Warning

Warning with Alarm Devices

There are two ways to emit the warning, by in-site alarm or by remote alarm. Although there
are many types of in-site alarm devices, sound and light are the most popular for landslide
warning systems. Sirens are mostly used for sound alarms, but horns, bells and loud speakers
can also be used. For light alarms, beacons are mostly used but light bulbs and flushes are
sometimes used. In order to transfer the sound and light warning to all of the residents in the
area, a designated inhabitant must be assigned to monitor the light and sound devices.

4-19
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Therefore, the light and sound devices must be installed in a place where the designated
inhabitant can see and hear the alarm. The sound alarm in a warning system emits a loud sound
to warn all people in the area like a fire alarm system in a building. As the sound is expected
to warn all people in the area, a number of sound alarms should be installed. When installing
the sound system, all people in the area must be able to recognize the alarm system.
Communication among residents is even more important to help warn people in the area who
may not hear the alarm due to bad ears or because they are listening to music with head phones.

With a remote alarm system, data and

warning signals from the instruments are
sent by cable or radio to a remote control
office. The advantages of this system are
that it is easy to control a number of
instruments and because some landslides
occur simultaneously in one place. Also a
landslide expert can access the data easily
and judge the seriousness of the situation
immediately based on the data sent from
the site.
Figure 4.3.7 The in-site alarm devices,
Warning with Simple Devices sound and light, Vallée Pitot (source: JET)

Without an automatic warning system, someone must always watch devises such as the
extensometers and rain gauges and once the reading reaches the warning level, he must send
out a warning immediately. It is necessary to decide who the designated inhabitant will be, how
the instruments will be monitored and how the warning will be sent. Someone must be
appointed to watch the devices 365 days a year and there should be more than one designated
inhabitant. Regular monitoring such as hourly and daily should be carried out every day by the
designated inhabitant. The interval of monitoring depends on the landslide activity but
monitoring is usually once a day and becomes more frequent if the landslide is more active.

The following is an example of the instructions given to a watchman who monitors a simple
rain gauge in Chitrakoot. Monitoring of a simple extensometer can also be done this way.

Instructions for Simple Rain Gauge

Please measure the volume of water in the bottle every morning. Please
throw away the water of the bottle, if it does not rain currently. Please
watch the rain gauge sometimes in heavy rain.
I-1 When the volume of water in the bottle reaches 600 cc
Call MPI and inform the following.-
- the time when the volume of water reached 600 cc,
- current volume of the water in the bottle,
- the time when it started rain.
- current weather
If possible, call MPI every 3 hours after that and inform whether the volume of water in the bottle
reaches 900cc or not.
Do not throw away the water in the bottle until MPI instruct you.
I-2 When the volume of water in the bottle reaches 900 cc
Call MPI and inform the following. -

4-20
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

- the time when the volume of water reached 900 cc,

- current volume of the water in the bottle,
- current weather
And call MPI every 3 hours after that and inform whether the
volume of water in the bottle reaches 1200cc or not.
Do not throw away the water in
the bottle until MPI instruct you.
Please prepare for evacuation
from your house.
(MPI will inform the police that the rain fall reached 900 cc.)
I-3 When the volume of water in the bottle
reaches 1200 cc
Call MPI and inform the following. -
- the time when the volume of water reached 1200 cc,
- current volume of the water in the bottle,
- current weather
After the call, please evacuate
according to the instruction of the
police. Do not throw away the water in
the bottle until MPI instruct you.
(MPI will inform the police that the rain fall reached 900cc.)
II-1 in case if the volume of water in the bottle reaches 600 cc
when you are going to sleep and still it is raining.
Call MPI and inform the
following.-
- the time when the volume of water reached 600 cc,
- current volume of the water in the bottle,
- the time when it started rain.
- current weather
If possible, call MPI in that night and inform whether the volume
of water in the bottle reaches 900cc or not.
In the next morning, call MPI and inform the following.-
- current volume of the water in the bottle,
- current weather
Do not throw away the water in the bottle until MPI instruct you.
II-2 in case if the volume of water in the bottle reaches 900 cc
when you are going to sleep and still it is raining.
Call MPI and inform the following.-
- the time when the volume of water reached 900 cc,
- current volume of the water in the bottle,
- the time when it started rain.
- current weather
And call MPI every 3 hours after that and inform whether the
volume of water in the bottle reaches 1200cc or not.
Do not throw away the water in
the bottle until MPI instruct you.
Please prepare for evacuation
from your house.
(MPI will inform the police that the rain fall reached 900 cc.)

4.3.3 Transmission of Warning and Evacuation

a. Transmission of Warning

Transmission of the landslide warning can be considered as a fire alarm system. In a fire alarm
system, a warning is transferred to all people in the building and building management by the
sound of a fire alarm. The information is transferred to a fire station directly from the alarm
system or through building management. When we adapt the fire alarm system to the landslide
warning system, people in the building are people in the landslide risk area, building
management is MPI, and the fire station is the police station, In the case of a fire, the fire
fighters must arrive as soon as possible to put out the fire whole in the case of a landslide, the
police must warn all the residents and guide them to a safe place.

4-21
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Since the police is concerned with the evacuation of residents in Mauritius, the police should
receive the warnings of the landslides and transfer the warning to all the residents in the area.
MPI who managements all landslides in Mauritius must receive all the warnings from the
instruments and watchmen and transfer the warnings to the police. Figure 3.1.1 shows the
recommended flow of a warning in the landslide warning system in Mauritius. All the warnings
and information from the warning devices and watchmen should be concentrated to MPI
because the warning system and instruments are installed and maintained by MPI and are MPI’s
responsibility. Therefore, all the information from the instruments, devices and watchmen must
be transferred to MPI.

The role of MPI is very important in landslide management. MPI should be responsible for the
following matters:

In ordinary times
Install and manage the instruments for landslide management
Explain the landslide warning system to people in the landslide risk area
Observe and inspect the landslides regularly
In an emergency or imminent situation
Receive the warning from the instruments or the watchmen
Transfer the warning to the police
Observe site as soon as receiving the warning
Inspecting the landslide area for new cracks, the opening of old cracks and deformation to
confirm whether the landslide disaster is serious (For all of our sleep in peace, MPI must make
people in the landslide risk area relocate as soon as possible instead of the landslide warning
system).

Role of MPI for the moment

MPI does not have sufficient capacity to respond to an emergency as of early 2014. Therefore,
the police receives the warning from the landslide risk area and respond to the emergency for
the moment. Even so, MPI must go to the site immediately after receiving the warning from
the police. MPI must also establish the necessary organisation to respond to emergencies as
soon as possible.

b. Evacuation

Instruction to residents about evacuation should be done by the police, not by MPI. However,
MPI should explain the following technical matters about landslides to people:

- The boundary of the landslide risk area

- Confirmation of residential houses in the landside risk area
- Notification to the residents of houses in the landslide risk area
- The danger in the landslide risk area
- The warning system installed in the landslide risk area
- Management of simple devices
- Appointment of the watchman

4.3.4 Landslide Warning without Instruments

Landslide disasters are caused by only the motion of the ground. Even with heavy rain, a

4-22
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

landslide disaster would not arise without ground deformation. On the other hand, without
rainfall, a landslide could be activated by an increase in groundwater pressure caused by water
from out of the landslide other than rainwater or by human activity. In this sense, a warning by
the extensometer may be more accurate than by the rain gauge. However, the extensometer
cannot cover the entire landslide risk area if the landslide consists of a number of blocks. Even
if the extensometer of the warning system is not issuing a warning, a landslide disaster at
another landslide block could arise. In other words, the rain gauge can cover a wide area but is
not so accurate while the extensometer is accurate but can only cover a limited area.

Since the residents normally do not have professional knowledge of landslides, anomalies the
residents find may not be caused by a landslide. MPI must confirm the cause of the anomalies
the residents find. MPI should also educate the residents in the landslide risk area about
landslides (i.e. what are the signs of landslides). MPI should request the residents to inform
MPI any signs of landslide immediately after they are found, and MPI should inspect the signs
of landslide immediately after receiving the information from the residents.

The signs of a landslide are listed as follows by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

• Springs, seeps, or saturated ground in areas that have not typically been wet before.
• New cracks or unusual bulges in the ground, street pavements or sidewalks.
• Soil moving away from foundations.
• Ancillary structures such as decks and patios tilting and/or moving relative to the main
house.
• Tilting or cracking of concrete floors and foundations.
• Broken water lines and other underground utilities.
• Leaning telephone poles, trees, retaining walls or fences.
• Offset fence lines.
• Sunken or down-dropped road beds.
• Rapid increase in creek water levels, possibly accompanied by increased turbidity (soil
content).
• Sudden decrease in creek water levels though rain is still falling or just recently
stopped.
• Sticking doors and windows, and visible open spaces indicating jambs and frames out
of plumb.
• A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume is noticeable as the landslide nears.
• Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together, might indicate
moving debris.

4-23
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Reference

1
Japan Road Association, 2009, Highway Earthwork Series: Manual for slope protection, p. 435
2
<http://shear.nagaokaut.ac.jp/Information/Niigata716earthquake/Niigata070802/
Niigata0 70802.html>

4-24
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

5 Detail Survey plan

5.1 Outline of Detail Survey

5.1.1 Flow of Landslide Survey

A survey and analysis on landslides should be implemented to establish preventive plans and
to discuss countermeasures for landslides. The survey is generally divided into two stages: a
preliminary survey and a main survey.

The preliminary survey is composed of the collection of documents, data and maps and the
searching and analysis of related literature.

The main survey for landslides chiefly consists of a hydrological survey, geomorphologic
survey, geological survey, drilling and slip surface surveys, physical testing, monitoring and
geophysical exploration. The analysis of landslides such as the preparation of geological
cross sections, establishment of the safety factor and stability analysis should be implemented
based on the specific results of the above mentioned surveys. Figure 5.1.1 below summarizes
the flow of the survey and analysis of landslides and the scope which is described in this
manual. The survey items and survey methods are shown in Table 5.1.1. In order to properly
examine the items listed in the table, a detailed survey which will satisfy the study objectives
should be planned by selecting appropriate survey methods and instruments described in the
table.

【Preparation in Japan】
Document/data/maps collection/Literature searching/analysis

【Main survey】
Topographic survey /Geomorphologic survey/Geological survey
Drilling survey/Slip surface survey/ Laboratory soil test
Monitoring/Geophysical exploration /Hydrological survey

【Analysis】
Landslide cross section/Safety factor for landslide/Stability
analysis

【Evaluation】
Activity/vulnerability/susceptibility/Integrated analysis

【Countermeasures】
Structural measures (Hard)/Early-warning system (Soft)

Figure 5.1.1 Flowchart Summarising Survey/Analysis for Landslides (source: JET)

5-1
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Table 5.1.1 Survey Items and survey Method for Landslides1

5-2
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

5.1.2 Preliminary Survey

The preliminary survey is composed of the collection of documents, data and maps and the
searching and analysis of related literature. In the initial survey to be carried out just after the
landslide occurrence, the above should be performed, although it will be difficult to complete
due to time limitations. Therefore, it is necessary to collect as much data as possible in the
detailed survey. (Refer to Chapter 2, Table 2.1.1)

5.1.3 Main Survey

a. Topographic Survey Plan

Ahead of all site investigations, the

topographic survey should be carried out.
The area of the plane survey should be
established in an area that sufficiently
covers the landslide activity area, and the
cross section survey is planned so that it
is carried out on the main-line of the
target landslide. In addition, in the case
that a landslide area is large and/or
[Plane survey]
consisting of multiple landslides, several Draw Scale: 1:500
Contour Interval: 1 m
cross section lines (sub-lines) should be
established. Because geophysical [Cross-section]
Drawing Scale
exploration and the drilling survey are Vertical 1:100
Horizontal 1:100
carried out on the main-line and sub-lines,
the topographic survey plan must Figure 5.1.2 Image of topographic survey plan
consider the contents of the other surveys. (source: JET)

b. Geomorphologic Survey Plan

As a geomorphologic survey, topographic map reading and aerial photo interpretation are
carried out, the results shall be compiled into the landslide distribution maps. Then, the map
shall be used for the field survey. The geomorphologic survey should be carried out in the
area that is bigger than active landslide block and topographic survey area, and the
topographical characteristic is confirmed in the wide area including the landslide block.

c. Field Survey Plan /Geological Survey Plan

The field investigation can provide more

detailed information such as geological
structures, causes of landslide, and possible
landslides for the assessment. The field
investigation should include areas where aerial
photographs are not available or are unclear. It
shall also include areas where it could help in
understanding the particular geo-morphological
features and characteristics.
Figure 5.1.3 Location of drilling survey
(source: JET)

5-3
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

d. Drilling Survey

Borehole points should be located along the centre line of the direction of landslide
movement, at least 3 boreholes in the landslide area and 1 borehole in the upper part of the
landslide at 30-50m intervals in principal (Figure 5.1.3). Additional boreholes should be
implemented along sub-lines which run parallel at 30-50m intervals when the landslide area
is larger. In the case that the landslide area is small, two or more drillings are needed along
the movement direction to understand the geology of the area. When there are faults, fracture
zones and/or complicated structures in the landslide area, supplemental drillings are
preferable. It is desirable for the standard penetration test (SPT) to be carried out every 1m.
Because the boreholes are used for the installation of the monitoring devices, the contents of
the landslide monitoring should be considered when deciding on the placement and depth of
the drilling.
Ground surface
Borehole
e. Laboratory Soil Testing

Laboratory soil testing basically consists of

two major soil tests: 1) physical tests, and SPT : Standard penetration test
(Disturbed soil sample)
2) dynamic tests. Both kinds of tests tests (Landslide mass) *SPT shall be carried out every 1m
are performed to review the stability of the
Undisturbed soil sample
landslide. The shear strength parameter of
the slip surface provided by the dynamic
Sliding surface
test shall be applied for landslide stability
analysis. Therefore, test samples for the (Stable base rock) 3-5m
dynamic tests shall be taken from the slip
surface layer that is undisturbed by drilling.
The physical test can use disturbed samples, Figure 5.1.4 Conception diagram of the
which a standard penetration test provides. drilling and soil sampling (source: JET)

f. Geophysical Exploration

The geophysical exploration applied to the

landslide investigation is primarily seismic
exploration and electrical prospecting.
These geophysical explorations are
conducted together with the drilling survey
in order to understand the scale and shape
of the landslide moving bed and
groundwater availability. The geophysical
exploration carried out on the landslide's Geophysical exploration
main-line and some sub-lines, investigates
Figure 5.1.5 Location of Geophysical
the 3-dimensional structure of the landslide.
exploration (source: JET)
g. Monitoring

[Movement of a landslide] Extensometers are installed over cracks and/or gaps to measure
movement and stress in an active sliding mass. Because the movement of the landslide is the
biggest in the main scarp of the head part, it is required that the extensometer be installed in
the main scarp.

[Slip surface survey] The borehole inclinometer and the pipe strain gauge investigate the

5-4
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

position of a slip surface, and measure the amount of landslide movement on the slip surface.
Though the borehole inclinometer has high precision, it cannot be used for active landslides.
The pipe strain gauge records data continuously and is durable (1-2 years). These devices are
chosen (or combined) in consideration of the activity of the landslide and shall be installed in
combination in the boreholes.

[Hydrological survey] The aim of the survey is to judge the correlation between
precipitation and changes in groundwater by measuring the precipitation which is a source of
the supply of groundwater. The water level meter is installed in multiple boreholes and
monitors the change in the groundwater level in the landslide area. The rainfall data are
observed in a rain gauge set in the landslide area or the neighbourhood.

Simple deformation detection Extensometer

method board

crack

Rain Gauge

crack Tipping-bucket

Main slip surface

Automatic water level meter Borehole inclinometer or Pipe Strain Gauge

Recorder
The surface of the earth

groundwater

Bore hole

Piezometer

Main slip surface

Figure 5.1.6 Setup Images of General Monitoring (source: JET)

5-5
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

5.2 Outline of Countermeasure Policy

Generally, an area or place which has the potential of landslide or large scale slope problems
shall not be used for housing or road development. In the case that landslide or slope
problems exist or have an impact on a residential area or road, the countermeasure shall be
applied substantially based on the required investigations.

The countermeasure shall be planned after the evaluation of landslide hazard based on the
hazard rank in the table below.

Table 5.2.1 Evaluation Sheet of Landslide Stability2 modified

Hazard Activation
Deformation and Topographical feature of landslide
Rank Rank
Cracks, subsidence, collapse and uplift caused by landslide are Condition a
found on the slope. Deformation caused by landslide is found on an Condition b
existing facility such as a side ditch. No landslide countermeasure
A
works have been installed even though there is a history of previous
landslides. It has a high potential for landslide hazard to the road
directory despite no artificial landform changes.
Clear landslide characteristic features are found even though Condition c
evidence of landslide activity are not clearly recognized. It has high
B
potential for landslide hazard to the road directory by artificial
landform changes.
The slope shows landslide characteristic features but they are not There is
clear. Even if landslide occurs due to large-scale changing of possibility
C environment conditions, the possibility for expansion of damage is to be
low and treatment of the landslide damage can be done promptly at condition c
that moment.

The activation rank is shown in the table below.

Table 5.2.2 Displacement Monitoring by Extensometer3

Daily Accumulated
Activation Rank displacement displacement Activation
(mm/day) (mm/month)
Rank a More than 1 More than 10 Active movement t

Rank b 0.1 - 1 2 - 10 Sluggish movement

Intermittent movement
Rank c 0.02 - 0.1 0.5 - 2 (Further monitoring is
required)
Rank d More than 0.1 Less than 0.5 Partial movement

5.2.1 Decision of Policy of Countermeasure

Landslide countermeasure work can be divided into structural countermeasures and

non-structural countermeasures. Generally, structural countermeasure work can be applied
for landslide problems. However, in the case that installation of the structural measures is
difficult due to topography or environmental conditions or the measures are not a sufficient
deterrence force against landslide movement, non-structural countermeasures shall be

5-6
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

considered. The policy of countermeasure work shall be decided according to the feasibility
study and EIA study results. In some cases, combining structural countermeasures and
non-structural countermeasures shall be considered.

For the non-structural countermeasure work, an early warning system using monitoring
instruments or relocation can be considered. Regarding non-structural countermeasures, refer
to the Manual for Landslides prepared in the Project.

5.2.2 Structural Countermeasure Work

The structural landslide countermeasure work can be divided into control work and restraint
work. The control work is the work to stop or mitigate landslide movement by improvement
of natural conditions such as topographical and hydrological aspects. The restraint work is the
work to stop a part or all of the landslide block by the restraint force of structures installed in
the landslide area.

It is not necessarily the case that only one type of countermeasure is installed. Rather,
several types of structural landslide countermeasures are applied in combination. The general
types of structural countermeasures are shown below.

Control Work
・ Surface drainage work (drainage work, infiltration prevention work)
・ Groundwater drainage work
Shallow groundwater drainage work
(conduit work, open-blind ditch, horizontal drainage work)
Deep groundwater drainage work
(infiltration well, drainage tunnel work, horizontal drainage work)
・ Soil removal work
・ Counter weight work
・ River structural facility (dam, consolidation work, water control work, revetment work)
Restraint Work
・ Pile work
Pile work (steal pipe pile work)
Shaft work
・ Ground anchor work

In the case that the landslide is active, the restraint work will not have the expected proper
effect and the construction work will also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, in such a
situation, the restraint work shall be installed at an appropriate time after mitigating the
landslide movement by control work. Selection of the structural countermeasure can be done
according to the flowchart below.

5-7
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

START
Landslide countermeasure
work is required

CONTROL MEASURE
Surface/groundwater drainage work
Surface drainage or
Decision of Optimum
Groundwater drainage
Yes countermeasure work
works can be applied

No Is it achieved
Consideration of additional No
countermeasure planned factor
of safety
CONTROL MEASURE
Soil removal /counter weight work Yes
Soil removal Yes Decision of Optimum
work/Counter weight
countermeasure work
work can be applied

No No Is it achieved
planned factor
of safety
RESTRAINT MEASURE
Comparative design of Piling work Yes
restraint works Shaft
Anchor work

Detail design
Implementation plan
Final decision of the works

Landslide monitoring is Landslide monitoring

required Yes

No

END

Figure 5.2.1Flowchart for the Selection of Landslide Countermeasure Work4

The topographical, geological, and landslide activity conditions, relevancy between rainfall
and landslide movement, and safety of the target area shall be clarified when countermeasure
work is planned. Furthermore, the mechanism of the landslide shall be clarified based on the
figure or landslide block, the figure and depth of the slip surface and the distribution of
groundwater. In particular, countermeasures shall be planned according to the following
issues.

1. In the case that a relationship between precipitation and landslide movement is found,
groundwater drainage works shall be applied to prevent rainfall from infiltrating into the
ground.

2. Groundwater can be categorized as shallow groundwater, which flows in an aquifer in the

colluvium layer, and deep groundwater, which is confined in base rock under a landslide
slip surface. Since there are different types of groundwater drainage work depending on

5-8
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

the type of groundwater, the groundwater drainage work shall be selected based on a
study of the influence of the target groundwater on landslide movement.

3. In the case that a relationship between long-term rainfall and the occurrence/movement
of landslide is found, it is recommended to apply countermeasure work focusing on deep
groundwater drainage work.

4. For an active landslide which consists of cohesive soil such as highly weathered tuff or
mudstone, countermeasure work focusing on shallow groundwater/surface water drainage
work shall be selected. In the case that the landslide consists of very loose cohesive soil,
the landslide shall be settled gradually by a groundwater block wall or groundwater
drainage work to prevent groundwater from flowing into the landslide area.

5. In the case that the target landslide is individual* and has a circular slip surface, removal
soil work at the head of the landslide or deep groundwater drainage work will be an
effective countermeasure. (* A landslide area where other landslide blocks are not found
around it.)

6. In the case that the landslide is divided into several blocks and the blocks are
neighbouring each other or the slip surface shows a nearly linear shape, groundwater
drainage work will be an effective countermeasure work. However, in such cases,
counterweight filling work and removal work is not recommended because the works
will not have proper effectiveness depending on the location and shape of the works.

7. The restraint work will be an effective countermeasure for a small-scale landslide. Even
if the target landslide is large-scale, the work will be effective for stabilization of part of
the landslide block. In addition, the work can be applied in cases where control works
such as groundwater drainage work or soil removal work are difficult to apply. Since a
huge deterrent force will be required against a large-scale landslide, restraint work is
often applied in combination with several types of restraint works. Also, as each restraint
work has a different mechanism to exert its effectiveness, the acting timing of
effectiveness of the countermeasure works, the estimated damage for the period and the
economic effect shall be considered carefully in advance.

8. Regarding implementation of the countermeasure work, the sequence or work progress

shall be considered carefully to maintain landslide stability because there is a possibility
that the landslide may become less stable due to the combination of countermeasure
works.

5.3 Confirmation of Development Restriction/Land-use Control and Legal

Systems/Schemes

5.3.1 Confirmation of Development Restriction and Land-use Control

If there is no development restriction or land-use control in a landslide site, activities for

review of the development restriction/land-use control will be required to avoid the landslide
disaster risk by development in the future. If a development restriction/land-use control is
available in a landslide site, reconfirmation and coordination with related
ministries/agencies/local authorities will be needed for thorough investigation and approval
of the development application. The confirmation of development restriction/land-use control

5-9
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

should be conducted for the above. It will also require to refer the following information for
review of the development restriction/land-use control. If the following information regarding
the landslide site is available, the data collection and confirmation should be conducted.
- Disaster record
- Risk map
- Hazard map
- Research/study regarding the disaster risk management

5.3.2 Confirmation of the Legal Systems and Schemes

It is required to comprehend the basis acts of legal systems and schemes regarding the
development restriction and land-use control to coordinate with related
ministries/agencies/local authorities and review existing regulation.

The following figure shows legal systems/schemes which have a relationship with landslide
disaster risk management (hereinafter LDRM) in Mauritius. The existence of the relevant
legal systems/schemes in the object area should be confirmed for each site.

Acts
Building Local Town and Planning and Environment Business
Act Government Country Development Protection Facilitation
Act Planning Act Act Act Act …

National Development Planning Policy Guidance Cyclone and Other

Strategy and Policies Natural Disasters
(PPG) Scheme

Action Area Plans

The Building and
Land Use Permit
Subject Plans Guide

Outline Planning Schemes

Port Louis Outline Planning Outline Planning Outline Planning Outline Planning
Outline Scheme for Scheme for Moka Scheme for Black Scheme for
Scheme 1992 Grand Port Flacq District River District Pamplemousses
Savanne District Council Area 2006 Council Area 2006 Rivière du Rempart
Council modified 2011 modified 2011 District Council Area
Area2006 2006 modified 2011
modified 2011

Figure 5.3.1 Acts and Schemes Related with LDRM (source: JET)

The following table shows the detailed content of the principal legal systems/schemes related
to LDRM.

Table 5.3.1 The Existing Mauritian Legal Systems/Schemes for LDRM (source: JET)

Legal Content
system/scheme
Planning and ・ The Planning and Development Act (PDA) is a new and modern
Development Act piece of legislation enacted to bring the planning exercise more in
(PDA) line with the requirements of today's changes and challenges
(globalization, structural changes in the economy, the need to
provide for new sectors of activities).
・ It gives legal status to the National Development Strategy which had

5-10
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

remained as a vision document only.

・ However, only a few sections of the PDA 2004 have been
proclaimed to date.
・ The objectives of PDA: Sustainable development considering
ecological systems; to provide for the appropriate sharing of
responsibility for planning and development between the different
levels of government; to establish appropriate institutions, structures
and processes to achieve effective planning and development; to
encourage appropriate private sector participation in planning and
development, etc.
・ The Minister of the Ministry of Housing and Lands (MHL) is able to
issue Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) regarding development and
land use planning to the Local Authorities based on this Act (Article
13 of PDA).
Local ・ The Local Government Act (LGA) is very closely related to the Local
Government Act Authorities’ jurisdiction over development plans. In particular, it
(LGA) covers decentralization, appropriate financial and administrative
operation, procedures for development permission, property taxation
etc.
・ The LGA also contains the powers and functions of the Permits and
Licences Committee, applications for permits, examination of
applications for permits and licences by the committee, application to
Judge in Chambers, etc.
National ・ National Development Strategy (NDS) aims to adopt strategic
Development guidance for the economic infrastructure development of government
Strategy (NDS) and local authorities with the goal of achieving development in a
planned manner.
・ NDS is made up of two volumes: Volume 1, National Development
Strategy & Policies, and Volume 2, Institutional and Legislative
Aspects.
・ Volume 1 contains the introduction, context, vision and key
development principles, core strategy for conurbation, countryside
and coast, housing, social and community facilities, industry and
commerce, tourism, agriculture, forestry, natural resources,
environment and fisheries, transport, physical infrastructure. In the
contents of the core strategy for conurbation, countryside and coast,
the PPG is defined as a translated national strategy, namely, made
easier to understand, for Local Authorities to actually achieve NDS
implementation.
➢ Guidance notes are intended for use by officers involved in
development control activities at central and local levels.
➢ It is expected that PPG will be an important element in
preparing Local Councils’ revised Local Plans and Action Area
Plans by translating the NDS policies and principles for
application at the local level.
➢ To provide this bridge between policy and implementation, a
series of PPG notes has been prepared consistent with the
NDS and policies and relevant Local Development Plans
(Outline Planning Schemes) as revised.
Planning Policy ・ PPG is a scheme which has legal binding force for land-use
Guidance (PPG) policy/planning and can contribute to LDRM in Mauritius.
・ The objective is to create a set of performance criteria and design
standards that are applicable to most forms and scales of
development for use by individual site owners, developers of large
schemes, and assist Government and Local Authorities when
considering permit applications.
・ This guidance should be considered with the NDS, Outline Planning
Schemes/Local Plans, Action Area Plans and Subject Plans.
・ PPG was established in 2004 and it is revised for commercial

5-11
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

development, cultural landscape, place of worship, industrial

commercial development and small firms, urban heritage areas,
radio telecommunication equipment, hotel/resort development and
petrol filling stations, etc.
・ PPG has a total of six hundred pages composed of A) introduction
and design principles, B) design sheets and C) technical sheets. The
design sheets contain commercial development, hotels and resort
development, industrial development and residential development.
The section on residential development covers design for sloping
sites. The design for sloping sites has the following design
standards:
➢ Development will not normally be permitted on slopes steeper
than 1:5 (20%).
➢ Above slopes of 1:10 (10%), and in areas of poor load-bearing
capacity, the ground conditions should be checked and
proposed structures certified by a qualified engineer. A Site
Constraint Analysis and written statement detailing all proposed
mitigation measures should be submitted to and approved by
the Permit Authority prior to the commencement of any on-site
works.
➢ As a general guide, development should not be any higher than
45 meters above the mountain base or, in the case of slopes
facing the sea, 45 meters above Mean Sea Level.
Outline Planning Outline Planning Schemes (OPS) were legally established based on the
Schemes (OPS) TCPA. They are planned for each Local Authority.
OPS have three functions:
・ To provide guidance to scheme promoters, developers and
individuals contemplating a development project and the subsequent
submission of a building and land-use permit application;
・ To assist Government officers at Ministry and Local Authority levels
when offering advice to developers and when subsequently
assessing permit applications; and
・ To provide the physical development focus for programmes and
projects for the variety of Ministries and agencies, as well as the
private and non-governmental sectors which have an interest in land
development.
The Outline Planning Schemes are in two parts:
➢ The Text section which includes:
 The Development Context for the Scheme which outlines
key development trends, constraints, issues and
objectives, and
 The Policies and Proposals, which are written in bold,
followed by their reasoned justification. The policies are
grouped together according to particular subject matter or
by land-use type.
➢ The Map section which includes:
 The Development Strategy Map, covering major proposals
for the whole of the District, and
 The Development Management Map, which shows
settlements and zones where development is likely to be
permitted and other areas where there are various
constraints to development.

5.3.3 Confirmation of the Development Restriction by PPG

If a landslide site is not applicable development restriction for sloping site by Planning Policy

5-12
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Guidance (hereinafter PPG), activities for review of the development restriction/land-use

control will be required to avoid the landslide disaster in the future. If a landslide site is
applicable the PPG’s development restriction for sloping site, reconfirmation and
coordination with related ministries/agencies/local authorities will be needed for thorough
investigation and approval of the development
application. Therefore, the confirmation of the
PPG’s development restriction for sloping site
which is shown below should be conducted.

In the PPG9 existing as of March 2016, it has

the following regulations such as Landslide
Disaster Risk Management. Once the initial
survey is conducted, the following points should
be kept in mind:

・ Development will not normally be permitted

on slopes steeper than 1:5 (20%).
・ Above slopes of 1:10 (10%) and in areas of
poor load-bearing capacity, the ground
conditions should be checked and proposed
structures certified by a qualified engineer.
A Site Constraint Analysis and written
statement detailing all proposed mitigation
measures should be submitted to and
approved by the Permit Authority prior to
the commencement of any on-site works.
Figure 5.3.2 Revised PPG 9 (source: MHL)

・ As a general guide, development should not be any higher than 45 meters above the
mountain base or, in the case of slopes facing the sea, 45 meters above Mean Sea Level.
・ Buildings and structures should be set back far enough from ridges and cliff edges so that
the structure does not appear to be perched on the edge.
・
Table 5.3.2 The Design Guidance for Sloping Sites in the PPG 9 (source: MHL)

Slope height General guidance development should not be any higher than 45m above the
mountain base, or in the case slopes facing the sea above the Mean Sea
Level.
Slope gradient: Generally suitable for Generally suitable for all development and uses.
0% to 3%
Slope gradient: Suitable for medium density residential development, agriculture, industrial and
3% to 8% institutional uses.
Slope gradient: Suitable for moderate to low-density residential development, but
8% to 20% great care should be exercised in the location of any commercial, industrial or
institutional uses.
Slope gradient: Only used for open space, limited agricultural and certain recreational uses.
Over 20%

5-13
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Additionally the following information should be considered, if the object area is applicable
with the disaster record/hazard map, and if there is an applicable area with the above
regulation in/around the object area. Furthermore, it is required attention for location/position,
extent, degree of risk and other factors in the record/hazard map.

- Landslide disaster damage record/map

- Topographical/geological condition map
- Flood disaster damage record/map
- Assumed flood area map
- Hazard map of landslides, slope failure, floods, etc.

The examination of problems regarding the development restriction/land-use control is

required through the evaluation of the existing study/project, the data collection and hearing
investigations/meetings with related ministries, agencies and local authorities.

5.3.4 Confirmation of the Development Plan regarding the Landslide Site

The development record regarding a landslide site will be useful for identification of the
cause of the landslide, examination material for emergency countermeasure and others. Also,
the confirmation of the development plan in the future is important to consider the disaster
prevention measures. When the development record/plan will be confirmed, it will be require
to refer the following information. If the following information regarding the landslide site is
available, the data collection and confirmation should be conducted.

Natural Conditions Social Conditions Land-use Planning Conditions

- Meteorological - Population - Settlement boundary
condition - Road network - Zoning (use district, scenic zone, etc.)
- Topography - Bus system - District planning
- Geology/Soil - Water facility - Land-use planning for public facility
- Land-use - Drainage facility - Term/Condition by the Building Act
- River/Basin - Park
- Drainage - Public utility
- Environment
- Cultural assets

5-14
Technical Cooperation Project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Landslide Advisor for Mauritius Kokusai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Technical Guideline for Initial Survey

Reference

1
Japan Landslide Society, 2002, Landslides in Japan (The Sixth Revision), p.21.
2
Japan Road Association, 1999, Road Earthwork Manual -Cut slope and Slope Stability- , p. 340
3
Ibid, p. 116
4
Ibid, p. 355

5-15