WGEM.com: Quincy News, Weather, Sports, and RadioRecent mudslides worry Hannibal homeowners

Recent mudslides worry Hannibal homeowners

HANNIBAL, Mo. (WGEM) -- At Hannibal's Riverview park, the site of the city's most recent mudslide, officials are worried the combination of steep terrain and wet conditions could be cause for more of these in the future.

"Basically it was described as a landslide. You never know exactly what that is when you get that message. We went there early this morning to check it out and it's a large landslide to say the least," said Chris Atkinson.

The mudslide Parks and Recreation Director Chris Atkinson describes destroyed a portion of a new trail and fence line which was recently installed in the park. Across town, another slide damaged a family's backyard. Neighbors say they're worried their homes could be next.

"We're going to try and figure out how we can take care of the hillside to ensure it not do that. We're also concerned that if it does happen, we share the same insurance company. We might not be able to get insurance to cover it if it does happen," said Eric Green.

A local insurance agent tells WGEM News that mudslides are normally excluded from homeowners' policies and mudslide coverage is not typically available. With the way Hannibal is set up, there's not much the city can to do either.

"These usually are surprises when these hills get saturated and come down it's usually a surprise that's hard to anticipate," said Mark Rees.

Homeowner Eric Green knows preventing a mudslide on his property is easier said than done.

"It's part of living here I guess. I've only lived here for two years and it just happened one day so I don't know if we could get it done or what, you know," added Green.