Cliff instability claims lives at West Bay, Dorset

In West Bay, Dorset, the cliffs have become increasingly unstable due to climatic changes, particularly wetter weather conditions. The cliffs, made famous by a notable TV drama series, are among the most unstable in the United Kingdom and have a history of dangerous rock falls and fatalities. Recently, heavy rain has seeped into the sandstone, leading to large portions breaking away without warning, causing numerous rock slips. In October, thousands of tonnes of rock came crashing down, cutting off access to the path beneath the cliff. Historically, incidents of rock falls and landslides in this area can be traced back decades, with a tragic past that includes soldiers from the US Rangers and British commandos who practiced scaling the cliffs for D-day in 1944. One soldier lost his life during that training exercise. The unstable nature of these cliffs has a well-documented history, and much of it has been driven by severe weather, particularly storms and heavy rains that erode the rock. A historical event that highlights the dangers of these cliffs occurred during the Great Gale of November 1824. This storm produced hurricane-force winds of nearly 100 mph, resulting in massive sea surges that devastated the Dorset coastline, leading to loss of buildings and around 100 lives, including a family swept away by a wave in West Bay. Eyewitness accounts from that tragedy serve as a reminder of the deadly potential that nature holds in this coastal area. Today, the consequences of climate change and increasing atmospheric moisture lead to a more frequent occurrence of rock falls. Local authorities and residents are aware of the dangers posed by these cliffs but continue to manage the popular coastal area. Staying clear of the edges of the cliff and being aware of weather conditions has never been more critical for the safety of both locals and visitors to this picturesque region.