Massive landslide cuts off section of Dorset coast

A section of beach in Dorset remains cordoned off following a huge cliff fall just west of Weymouth. The coastal path above has been closed off. 

Dorset Council says more cliff is expected to be lost, according to ITV News.

4,000-tons came away from the cliff in Dorset with large chunks – some the size of cars – crashing down towards the beach hundreds of feet below. Student geologist, Jodie Brewin says: “Basically it’s to do with re-weathering and erosion that falls hand-in-hand and shapes this coastline.”

According to the Metro, it’s believed to be the biggest rockfall in 60 years seen on the Jurassic Coast. A spokesman for Dorset Council said in a statment: “There has been substantial rock fall between Seatown and Eype Beach. Further movement is expected with fresh cracks, affecting the fence line but not the Coast Path.

“We will monitor over the next few weeks to ensure that any further movement does not affect access. Now the ground is drying out, there is the possibility of more slips and falls and they can happen very quickly. For your safety keep clear of tops and bases of cliffs when out and about.”

Even with Dorset Council warning people to stay away, Geotechpedia reports that the prospect of finding fossils uncovered by the landslide is too much for some and has led to people clambering over the rocks to get a better look.

The affected section of the Coastal Path is currently remains closed.