A house is precariously positioned near the edge of a collapsing cliff along the Jurassic Coast due to a significant rockfall. Located close to Sidmouth in Devon, the property now sits just 40 feet (12 meters) away from a sheer drop of 400 feet (121 meters). Aerial imagery has captured the extensive erosion of the cliffs, which are well-known for their rich fossil deposits.
In addition, substantial debris has fallen near Jacob’s Ladder, prompting East Devon District Council to issue a warning via social media. They advised the public to steer clear of the cliffs, highlighting that they are “prone to rock falls and landslides, which can occur at any moment.” The council further emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe distance from the cliffs along the East Devon coastline, noting that cliff falls are natural events that are difficult to predict.
The South West Coastal Path had already been closed following a rockfall incident on October 25. Drone photographer James Loveridge documented and shared striking images of the rockfall that took place between Sidmouth and Ladram Bay on social media platforms.
In light of ongoing safety concerns, East Devon District Council has mandated that the owner of the at-risk house must demolish the structure within three months. Additionally, local authorities have taken precautionary measures by evacuating residents living in proximity to the area while safety operations continue.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, Thomas Wei Huang, 17, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for an attack at Blundell’s School in Devon. This case has further contributed to the heightened sense of alertness among residents and officials in the region. As efforts are made to ensure public safety in these circumstances, authorities continue to monitor both natural and human-related threats closely.