BARRE – Due to heavy rain and flooding over the past few days the city and town of Barre are under a heightened risk of landslides.  Officials in those communities want homeowners and citizens to be aware of their surroundings and report any unusual activity to 802-476-0255 or 802- 476-6613.

State Geologist Laurence Becker says this activity includes small landslides, cracks in the ground, or any other unusual ground conditions that were not previously there.

Other things to look for:

• Look for changes in landscape and water drainage, or new cracks in foundations and sidewalks.
• Watch the patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes near your home or business, and note especially the places where runoff water converges, increasing flow over soil-covered slopes. Watch the hillsides around your home or business for signs of land movement, such as small landslides or debris flows or progressively tilting trees.

The city has already evacuated homes due to the risk of landslides, and more are possible due to saturated ground conditions brought on by recent rain and flooding.

Again, anyone in Barre who notices unstable ground, cracks in soil, small landslides, or anything else unusual that wasn’t already there should call 802-476-0255 or 802- 476-6613 immediately.  Anyone in other communities who notice these signs should call their local fire or police.