UK seashore landslide causes ‘scene of destruction’ as folks warned to remain away
Police have warned the area remains unsafe and nearby footpaths are currently closed to the public after properties were damaged at Nefyn beach in Gwynedd by mud and rubble
Police have reiterated appeals for the public to avoid a Gwynedd beach over safety fears that persist. Photographs reveal the devastating force of a landslide that tore through homes at Nefyn on the Llŷn Peninsula.
Property owners have confirmed their building was obliterated by a deluge of mud and rubble that cascaded down from the clifftops above the shore. Cyngor Gwynedd reported that multiple private dwellings were impacted, but it’s too perilous to evaluate their state due to the threat of additional landslides.
The local authority confirmed the properties were empty when the incident occurred and no injuries were reported. Nevertheless, there are worries the scene of devastation could draw disaster tourists and inquisitive youngsters.
In a statement, the NWP Gwynedd South policing team revealed some people have already been spotted in the vicinity. The team warned: “Since the incident, local residents have reported sightings of young people at the location.
“Please be advised that the area remains unsafe and that nearby footpaths are currently closed to the public.”, reports North Wales Live.
The alert was echoed by Maddy Dobson, who yesterday returned to the shore with her husband to discover a scene of complete destruction. A landslide on Monday, December 15, was followed by another at Wednesday lunchtime.
A far more significant slip happened either later that day or during the night, which demolished their boat house, weakening the structure and destroying interior walls.
Posting online last night, Maddy warned: “After my husband witnessing the speed with which yesterday lunchtime’s landslide fell, I cannot stress enough for everyone to keep away from the front of these boat houses.
“Another far worse slip must have taken place between approx 4pm yesterday and this morning (Thursday). Gwynedd Council are going to put tape up as it is impossible to place barriers. The latest landslide’s size means there is a pathway for further slips to follow.”
Nefyn beach is susceptible to landslides due to the steep, unstable cliffs behind it. Signs of earlier landslips and subsequent reinforcement work are visible throughout the area.
A massive slip in April 2021 carved a 40-metre wide gash in the cliffs, leaving houses precariously balanced on the brink. In January 2001, a sequence of slides swept two cars over the cliff edge onto the beach below, killing one occupant and seriously injuring another.
This week’s landslides took place in the Lon Penrallt area close to Nefyn’s breakwater. The affected properties were empty at the time as they aren’t used throughout the year.
Further down the beach, a portion of the Wales Coast Path has been sealed off and rerouted following a smaller landslide on 2 December. Cyngor Gwynedd stated that the most recent slippage hasn’t affected the Coast Path this time – but the police have confirmed some local footpaths are closed.
A spokesperson said: “We would urge members of the public to take extra care when walking near cliff edges and along the coastline, as the land is more prone to slippages following prolonged periods of heavy rainfall.
“This is an active landslip with the risk of further earth falling as water continues to flow down the side. As a precautionary measure a section of the coastline, in front of the affected area, has been cordoned off.”
