Gabions are quick to install, easy to use, and require no technical skills, making them particularly suitable for emergency situations. Water conservancy departments stockpile wire mesh every year.
For example, in case of collapse, rocks, sandbags, or wire (bamboo) gabions are deployed along the collapsed area, starting with the topmost area of the collapse and continuing in sequence until the slope stabilizes.
In case of leaks, if seepage holes appear on the backslope or near the toe of the dam, they penetrate the dam or foundation. If the holes are small, they can be immediately filled with cotton wool, straw bags, or woven bags, using straw bundles formed into soft wedges. If the holes are large or numerous, a large iron pot, either turned upside down or right side up, can be placed over the holes to block the flow. Cover them with tarpaulins or netting, then press down with earthbags or sandbags, and fill with clay to seal tightly.
In case of water leakage, rescue measures are also recommended. When water seeps through the dam, the approach of "intercepting seepage near the water and channeling it away from the water" should be adopted. On the waterside, use low-permeability clay soil to build a foreshore. Tarpaulins and geomembranes can also be used to isolate water and reduce infiltration. On the away slope, use highly permeable sand, gravel, geotextiles, or straw for backfiltration. This prevents soil loss, thereby lowering the seepage line and maintaining dam stability. Avoid using clay soil to suppress seepage on the away slope, as this will raise the seepage line, expanding the scope of seepage and exacerbating the danger.