UPDATED: Emergency services have descended on Undercliff Drive between Niton and Ventnor today (Sunday) as they assist in evacuating residents, removing possessions and securing the area.
A major operation is underway following the continuing collapse of the notoriously unstable road, which has led to the evacuation of residents in the area.
Coastguard Rescue Team members are assisting in the removal of homeowner’s possessions as fears grow that the properties could be lost with the land falling away at a rapid pace. A series of removal vans have been seen coming and going from the area.
The British Army were seen to enter the landslip early this morning, confirming suspicions that the Army’s deployment to the Island was to assist authorities with the high-risk and complicated situation. Island Echo readers have been in touch to suggest the Army were called in to build a temporary bridge to allow access to properties once again, however following an assessment, it has been decided that local resources can carry out any required tasks, if at all possible.
Soldiers have been assisting Coastguard team members and the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service remove personal possessions this afternoon.
The Army troops and vehicles brought over to the Island yesterday are set to return to the mainland later this afternoon. It is understood that the troops have not visited any other location on the Island apart from Monktonmead Brook in Ryde last night, where photographs were taken and publicised despite the area not having been effected by the recent storm.
Several Police officers remain on the scene guarding each end of the closure to prevent unauthorised access and engineers from Southern and Scottish Energy are working to cut supplies to the properties at risk.
In Newport, two Super Puma helicopters landed at Seaclose Park this morning transferring individuals, with no sign of the sandbags reported to be en-route to the Island. Two 6-wheeled off-road Army vehicles are understood to have come across the Solent by ferry late last night.
Undercliff Drive has been cordoned off by Police and photographers are being kept away from the scene, with the cordon extended by around half a mile upon arrival of photographers this afternoon. A strict ‘no press’ message is in force.
Yesterday, around 20 troops and two Land Rover vehicles were airlifted in to Seaclose Park, Newport by Chinook helicopter – a rare occurrence on the Isle of Wight – with many Islanders questioning why soldiers were brought over yesterday to assist with flooding when the Island has not been effected in the same way that neighbouring counties have.
The Isle of Wight Council issued a statement yesterday evening emphasising the Army were present on the Island to assess flooding and damage Island-wide, with no mention of the situation at The Undercliff.
UPDATE @ 17:00 – The Isle of Wight Council have confirmed the situation at Undercliff Drive this afternoon following arrival of our photographers to the scene. A series of selective photographs have been officially released.
A Chinook helicopter arrived at Seaclose Park just before 16:00, extracting troops back to the mainland. A few soldiers remain on the Island this evening, however it is understood they will be leaving with the vehicles shortly.
The Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have now also left the scene at the Undercliff. It is currently unclear if the section of Undercliff Drive is set to be abandoned.
UPDATE @ 21:40 – The Isle of Wight Council are tonight warning members of the public to stay away from the Undercliff area with security patrols in place, mobile CCTV and an extra Police presence.
Chief superintendent Dave Thomas of Hampshire Constabulary has said tonight:
“We have assisted in the safe evacuation of residents of a number of properties in Undercliff Drive. This area is not safe as a result of a landslip caused by the recent weather conditions. I would urge members of the public to stay away from Undercliff Drive.
“We have been working closely with Isle of Wight Council, the military and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to provide reassurance to people living in this road and those nearby. The local safer neighbourhoods team and special constables have been providing a high visibility presence over the past few days, this will continue for as long as necessary.
“Anyone with concerns can contact the local safer neighbourhoods team at Ventnor Police Station on 101.”
Hampshire Constabulary’s statement indicates Police have been on site at Undercliff Drive for a number of days, however the situation has only been officially confirmed today (Sunday).
The public are advised to stay away from the area, which is described as extremely dangerous.
