A large landslide has occurred in the centre of Ventnor this afternoon (Saturday), resulting in a family being evacuated from their house by firefighters.
The incident has occurred off Alpine Road where a large retaining wall has given way, resulting in tons of earth tumbling into the rear of a residential property.
A number of appliances from the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are on scene alongside other emergency services.
It’s unclear at this stage if anyone has been injured and the extent of the damage to nearby buildings.
UPDATE @ 16:35 – No one is believed to have been injured in this afternoon’s collapse, but at least 2 people have been rescued by firefighters who have used a ladder to access a 1st floor window.
The landslide measures around 30x20m, according to the fire service.
Utility services are in attendance to isolate gas, electricity and water supplies and to assess any risk to surrounding properties.
The landslide comes after more than 30mm of rainfall over the past 12 to 24 hours.
Fire crews from Ventnor, Shanklin, Newport and Ryde have been involved in the emergency response, alongside the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, but resources are now being stood down.
Cordons are in place around the immediate area.
UPDATE @ 17:45 – As darkness falls, emergency services remain at the scene at The Grove.
British Red Cross volunteers are now supporting those affected.
Do you think there’s enough firemen?
Have the Fire Brigade changed the colour of their hats? All I ever see is white ones these days.
I think different coloured firemen’s helmets donate different rank, or status so in an emergency they can quickly identify the ‘big cheese’ if needed.
Oddly, I had the opposite question about prison inmates asked of me recently.
You been to specsavers recently… Try reading the jackets, Fire and Rescue are in YELLOW hats..
Gabion walling would be useful as it is strong self supporting and allows through water, and is good for wildlife such as lizards and plants.
Glad no one hurt
Yes, Gabion walling can be used to support such areas, and is easy to re-arrange if needed to be. Does you family still run the business Dan? Thought you were into Cafe life now??
Hay, Hay, no friendly chit chat on this media……just joking, I don’t want to upset the snowflakes.
Good to know no ones injured…
But the gabions are unsightly and rust out eventually in the sea air.
Glad all are ok what an awful thing to happen. What about that log cabin being built into the bank behind the house in Spring Hill ventnor? Wouldn’t want to live in that house with all this rain . Looks Very precariously built .
It’s fine, the owner says the wet rot, is being cancelled out by the dry rot.