Shocking images reveal a family narrowly escaped a significant landslide that partially demolished their village residence, with locals describing the event as resembling an “earthquake.” At around 9 pm last Friday, a cliff collapse in Hoarwithy, Herefordshire, resulted in severe damage to two properties. Residents expressed relief that there were no injuries sustained during the incident, considering it a fortunate outcome given the circumstances. One of the affected buildings was an unoccupied cottage undergoing renovations, while the other belonged to a family who were away at the time.
Sam Lawrence-Lewis, a 32-year-old neighbor, recounted being alerted to the situation by a passing truck driver who noticed a fallen electric cable. Upon investigating, he witnessed the extensive landslide damage to nearby homes. Lawrence-Lewis promptly notified emergency services, leading to the arrival of law enforcement and fire department personnel who secured the area. The impacted dwellings included the aforementioned cottage and a neighboring residence, which suffered substantial structural harm, particularly to its rear facade.
Reflecting on the incident, Lawrence-Lewis mentioned a previous smaller landslide in the area and speculated that the recent event might have been exacerbated by tree removal activities undertaken by the new owners of the cottage. He indicated that the current proprietors had acquired the property at an auction about six months ago but had not resided there since due to unresolved planning permission matters. Despite the eyesore left by the incomplete construction work, Lawrence-Lewis expressed sympathy for his neighbor, whose home bore the brunt of the destruction.
Suzanne, one of the affected homeowners, expressed gratitude that her family was not present during the landslide. She emotionally shared her sentiments with the BBC, stating that the situation left her in tears each time she revisited the site. Suzanne highlighted the swift response of a vigilant truck driver who noticed the downed electrical cable, triggering the subsequent emergency notifications and property securing measures.
Another local resident, preferring anonymity, likened the landslide’s impact to that of an earthquake and expressed relief that there were no casualties despite the severity of the event. They recalled a previous landslide in the vicinity but noted that this recent occurrence was more severe. The individual emphasized the fortunate absence of injuries or fatalities, considering the potential catastrophic outcomes that could have ensued.
Herefordshire Council disclosed that it was awaiting the findings of a survey assessing the stability of the rock face to determine the feasibility of reopening the adjacent roadway, which had been temporarily closed following the landslide.
