Massive landslip blocks Seatown Beach in Dorset, UK

A massive rockfall occurred on the cliffs of Seatown in Dorset, UK, overnight on Thursday.

Furthermore, the same cliffs have also been subject to a rockslide that blocked the beach previously, in 2021. It was then reported by The Guardian that the event was the largest rockslide in the UK in the last 60 years. However, eyewitnesses think that last Thursday’s landslip was even bigger.

It is believed that the previous rockslide in the area had weakened the cliffs’ support, while drone pictures taken back in January of 2023 show deep vertical cracks along the area, foreshadowing the event.

The area had been hit by extreme weather conditions prior to the landslip. More specifically, local geologist Richard Edmonds said that it is surprising for a large landslide to occur this late in the year, but torrential rain the Saturday before the event could have played a part.

It is also worth noting that the torrential rain was followed by very dry climate conditions.

Finally, Edmonds also noted that the area’s geology can be characterized as a complex cliff, comprised of successive layers of sand and clay materials.

No one was injured in the overnight event, while warning signs had also been put up along with advice from the local Council for people to take caution.