Sidmouth's crumbling cliffs have collapsed again – with beachgoers left scrambling to escape the falling dust cloud. The incident at the Jacob’s Ladder end of the beach happened on Saturday afternoon (August 24) during the town’s Regatta weekend.
The cliff at the far end of the beach – thankfully away from the majority of those enjoying the sunshine – collapsed at 4.25pm on Saturday and led to a huge dust cloud. And a photograph from the scene shows just how close it came to be a disaster for some people on the beach.
The image shows two people having had to run into the sea to avoid the falling cliffs. A witness told DevonLive that it looked like the people had to run into the sea to escape the clouds of dust.
Following the collapse, the Sidmouth Lifeboat was launched to conduct a shoreline search near Salcombe Mouth in case anyone had been swept into the sea.
They said: “Rock falls and landslides are unpredictable events, occurring without warning, and can cause serious injury or death.”
The spokesperson added people “should always take care around the cliffs of East Devon as all are made of soft rock and pose a cliff fall danger”.
The Coastguard advises that beach users stay at least the height of the cliff away e.g. if a cliff is 20 metres high, a distance of 20 metres should be kept.
The cliffs in Sidmouth are notorious for crumbling with cliff falls previously taking place at both East Beach and Jacob's Ladder. In September at the East Beach end of the town, footage captured a “waterfall of earth” coming tumbling down. In October there was another incident at the other end past Jacob's Ladder.
The most recent collapse had happened in March when visitors and local residents described rocks the size of cars coming down onto the beach below.
Cliff Collapse Dangers
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the town's crumbling cliffs. The cliffs at Sidmouth are made of soft rock, which is susceptible to erosion and weathering. This makes them particularly vulnerable to collapses, which can occur without warning.
The cliffs are a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors drawn to the stunning views. However, it is important for visitors to be aware of the risks associated with the cliffs.
Staying Safe Around the Cliffs
The Coastguard advises that beachgoers stay at least the height of the cliff away. For instance, if a cliff is 20 meters high, a distance of 20 meters should be kept. It is also important to be aware of the following:
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Avoid walking or standing beneath the cliffs. This is especially important during periods of heavy rain or strong winds, as these conditions can increase the risk of a collapse.
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Keep an eye on the weather. If the weather is bad, it is best to avoid the cliffs altogether.
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Be aware of the signs. The Coastguard and local authorities place warning signs in areas where cliff falls are likely to occur. These signs should be taken seriously.
A Continuing Problem
The cliffs at Sidmouth are a beautiful and iconic part of the Devon landscape. However, they are also a constant source of concern due to their instability. The council has taken steps to mitigate the risk of cliff falls, but the problem is likely to continue.
The recent collapse is a reminder of the importance of staying safe around the cliffs. Visitors should take precautions to avoid being caught in a cliff fall. The council has warned that rock falls and landslides are unpredictable events, occurring without warning, and can cause serious injury or death.
A Breathtaking Yet Risky Landscape
While the cliffs at Sidmouth are undoubtedly breathtaking, they are also a dangerous landscape. It is important to respect the power of nature and to take precautions to avoid being caught in a cliff fall. The breathtaking views should be enjoyed while also keeping safety in mind. Remember, always heed the advice of the Coastguard and local authorities regarding safe cliff practices.
