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- Images show the devastation caused by the unexpected landslip at Bonchurch
A huge landslide on the Isle of Wight has left dozens of people homeless in the weeks before Christmas – with some houses inches from total destruction.
Aerial photographs show the devastation at Bonchurch, near Ventnor on the island’s southern edge.
Huge chunks of the cliff have collapsed, with some homes perilously close to following them down the ridge towards the sea – prompting the mass evacuation by council officers and police.
The collapse, which happened at 9.20pm on Sunday December 10, saw a cafe, car park and toilet destroyed.
Roads have been closed and locals have been told to avoid the area while council officers assess the risk of further landslips.
![Some homes have been left perilously close to the edge of the ridge after part of the area collapsed](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/11/21/78841483-12852129-image-a-31_1702330357338.jpg)
Some homes have been left perilously close to the edge of the ridge after part of the area collapsed
![Around 20 homes have been evacuated on the orders of the local council following the unexpected landslip](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/11/21/78841485-12852129-image-a-32_1702330392733.jpg)
Around 20 homes have been evacuated on the orders of the local council following the unexpected landslip
![Council officers are still assessing the risk of further landslips after the incident on Sunday night on the south coast of the Isle of Wight](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/12/11/21/78841481-12852129-image-a-33_1702330459883.jpg)
Council officers are still assessing the risk of further landslips after the incident on Sunday night on the south coast of the Isle of Wight
Those unable to stay in their homes were offered temporary accommodation.
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.’
In a post on social media early on Monday, Sgt Radford of Isle of Wight Police said: ‘At 21:21 hours yesterday, Sunday 10 December, 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: ‘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 10 December) 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 Council are working with the Police and Island Roads to provide access to Leeson Road that enables evacuated residents to access their properties safely, whilst maintaining security for properties.’
The Isle of Wight 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.
Demolition teams have been called in to tear down five clifftop homes in Nortfolk after inspectors decided they were no longer safe for habitation.
A report published earlier this year warned that £600million of homes would be lost to the sea by the end of this century because of the impact of erosion.