Need help right now?
If someone needs immediate help with coastal erosion, use emergency mode.
Do this nowThis content is in Draft and has not been professionally reviewed. It is provided for preview while expert review is in progress.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Cliffs or shoreline are collapsing or eroding where you are.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Stay back from cliffs. Leave if rocks fall. Evacuate if ordered.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Fresh rock fall, widening cracks in cliff-top paths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Vegetation tilting seaward or fence posts leaning.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Wave action undercuts cliffs that collapse without warning.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Homes on bluffs may lose foundation support gradually then suddenly.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Move inland from cliff edge immediately if cracks visible underfoot.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Leave beach if falling rocks or rumbling heard above.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Photograph damage for authorities from safe distance.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do not walk on cracked coastal roads.
When and how to get professional help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Maintain safe setback from eroding coast. Obey evacuation orders.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Report cliff collapse blocking beach or road.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 if person buried by rock fall.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Geotechnical assessment required before reoccupying eroded properties.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT sit at base of soft sandstone or clay cliffs.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT ignore posted cliff-fall warning signs.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Dry weather means coastal cliffs are stable
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Undercutting continues underground. Collapses happen in calm weather.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Fatal cliff-edge collapse while taking photos.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Aftershock
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — The ground shakes again after the main earthquake.
Avalanche warning
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Avalanche danger is high on slopes where you are traveling or living.
Buried in avalanche
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You or someone nearby is buried in avalanche snow.
Compound disaster
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Multiple disasters overlap — e.g. earthquake and tsunami, cyclone and flood.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tide may trap people below collapsing cliffs — know exit times.