THE ROLE OF LANDSLIDE EDUCATION IN PREVENTING ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AND PROMOTING HEALTH IN NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA

Landslide is the downward and outward movement of the soil, rock and artificial fills resulting from natural, physical or human factors. It can also be referred to as earth movement. Landslides are naturally occurring environmental hazards but the frequency of it in some areas is increased by human activity. Natural factors include earthquakes, water, heavy storms and volcanic eruptions. Physical factors such as water can trigger up a landslide. A heavy rain for a period in the absence of adequate drainage system increases the susceptibility to landslides. This makes Niger Delta Region of Nigeria more vulnerable to landslides because of the already high water table. Human factors include indiscriminate deforestations due to the search for firewood, timber harvesting, cultivation, vibrations from machinery or traffic, blasting, negligence of road repairs and maintenance. These actions reduce the stability of slopes. Human factors contributing to landslides can be reduced but this requires creation of awareness and education on the hazards which range from homelessness, severe injuries, massive destruction of farmlands, hunger to outright loss of lives. There have been incidences of landslides in different parts of Niger Delta region of Nigeria. This paper focuses on the contributory factors to landslides, health hazards associated with landslides and the role of education in preventing landslides and promoting health. Relevant literature was reviewed and secondary data collected. The paper concludes