Homes have been left perilously close to the edge of the cliff (Picture: Jam Press/Island Echo)
A massive landslide on the Isle of Wight has left dozens of people without a home as their properties suddenly came very close to collapsing into the sea.
Drone pictures show the huge landslip at Bonchurch, near Ventnor, which led to huge chunks of the cliff collapsing.
The collapse happened at around 9.20pm on Sunday and a cafe, car park, and public toilets were destroyed.
Around 20 homes have also been evacuated by council officers and police as a number of properties were left extremely close to the new cliff edge.
Residents unable to stay in their homes were offered temporary accommodation by the council, and experts are now assessing whether there’s a risk of further landslides.
The owners of local tearoom Smugglers Haven told the Isle of Wight County Press that the area around their business looked like a ‘warzone’.
Businesswoman Samantha Buckley told the paper: ‘I would never have thought in a million years the whole lot would have gone that quickly up to where it has done in one shot.’
Sergeant Radford of Isle of Wight Police said on Monday morning: ‘At 21:21 hours yesterday we were contacted by Coastguard initially. They advised that a MOP called them advising of a landslip on Leeson Road, Ventnor and houses were at risk.
‘I’m not easily jaded, however, I was not expecting when I walked down the steps next to the cafe that there would be a large void.
‘The cafe is hanging on as there is no front. Several gardens of residential properties have also fallen and the landslip is putting houses at risk.
‘The NPAS Police helicopter came over to assess the area so we could understand how large the landslip was and what properties were at risk.
‘The side of the road closer to the sea has had the houses evacuated, several officers assisted with this and we have worked with Island Roads and the council’s emergency planning department to safeguard the public.
‘The council have arranged placements for residents that had nowhere to go tonight and Island Roads have placed hard road closures.
‘Police officers are remaining on scene tonight.
‘Evaluation of the area will take place in the morning when there is daylight.’
A council spokesperson said yesterday: ‘The Isle of Wight Council is strongly advising people to stay away from the Bonchurch area affected by the overnight landslide.
‘Footpath closures and road barriers are in place in the surrounding area until further notice.
‘Last night (Sunday) council officers attended the scene at Bonchurch Shute and Smugglers Haven and liaised with police to support and assist residents, and ensure they were safe.
‘The majority of households chose to stay with friends and family, and for those unable to do so, temporary accommodation has been provided.
‘The majority of the affected residents have been evacuated. To ensure that affected residents stay safe, we recommend those that have not yet done so, continue to vacate their properties and make alternative arrangements for overnight accommodation.
The landslip comes amid fears over coastal erosion and an increased risk of landslips due to rising water levels around the UK, and the rising frequency of extreme weather events bringing unexpectedly heavy rainfall.
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