Three multimillion-dollar homes in Southern California are perilously perched on the edge of a cliff after a landslide over the weekend.
The collapse occurred Friday in Dana Point, Orange County, sending mud and debris sliding down the 150-foot-deep chasm.
No evacuations were ordered as of Sunday, and engineering teams were assessing the structural integrity of the homes – the only three standing on the cliff.
Residents of the affected properties have been advised to remain vigilant and prepare for the impending possibility of relocation.
The three affected homes are now largely at the mercy of Mother Nature, although the rains that recently flooded the region appear to be over. Prices are around $12.8 million, $13 million and $15.9 million and are at risk of falling into the Pacific.
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Three multimillion-dollar homes in Southern California are perilously perched on the edge of a cliff after a landslide over the weekend
The collapse occurred Friday on Scenic Drive in Dana Point, sending mud and debris sliding down the 150-foot drop. No evacuations were ordered as of Sunday, and engineers were assessing the structural integrity of the homes – the only three still operating on the bluff
Still, City Manager Mike Killebrew on Friday reassured residents of the prestigious street and others nearby that the situation was under control.
“At this point, no structures are at risk and it appears there will be no impact to lateral access to the beach,” he said.
Meanwhile, remnants of the large piece of land that had collapsed could be seen at the base of the cliff.
A few hundred feet to the left of the collapse, a portal to the Dana Point Caves sat intact, along with the stretch of beach Killebrew had mentioned.
The trio of houses above, a status symbol in the affluent region, sat in its precarious position next to the Ocean Institute – another popular tourist attraction.
Debris from the collapse site fell near the tide pools, Killebrew explained – a designated Marine Protected Area (MPA) accessible from the beach and surrounding trails.
No one was down there when the debris fell on Friday after heavy rains flooded the region and led to countless landslides and mudslides.
The landslide caused a large portion of the cliff to fall to the base of the complex's most expensive home, a $15.9 million, four-bedroom behemoth that was registered with a local radiologist, records show.
The landslide caused a large portion of the cliff to fall to the base of the complex's most expensive home, a $15.9 million, four-bedroom behemoth that was registered with a local radiologist, records show
The missing rock wall slid off right next to another $12.8 million home just to the right (seen here) – on a slightly lower cliff that luckily stayed put
A third house further to the right, valued at $13 million and owned by a local producer, appeared to be in better condition than the others, despite being just a few feet away – and a few hundred feet above the sea there is still unstable ground
The collapse is still being monitored by city officials and is just the latest in a series of incidents to hit Southern California in recent weeks
The missing rock wall slid right next to another house just to the right – one was on a slightly lower cliff and luckily stayed put.
KABC's AIR7 HD was over the area to capture a stunning image of the portion of the collapsed cliff directly next to the $12.8 million residence, which somehow remained in place as tons of rocks fell just feet away .
A third house further to the right, valued at $13 million and owned by a local producer, appeared to be in better condition than the others, despite being just a few feet away – and a few hundred feet above the sea there is still unstable ground.
The Dana Point collapse – which is still under investigation by city officials – is just the latest in a series of incidents to hit Southern California in recent weeks.
That same day, 13 miles south along the Pacific coast, part of a dead-end street on Avenida Columbo fell about 5 feet (1.5 meters) after a mudslide that sent mud and debris falling at least 150 feet.
The area was already affected by unstable ground, and one home was at the site of an active landslide that has been ongoing for several decades, said Dave Rebensdorf, the city's public works director.
He was there Friday to investigate, although residents' concerns have so far warranted city intervention.
Residents of both areas have been advised to exercise caution as they continue to deal with the consequences of these natural disasters.
Meanwhile, reports of landslides along the oceanfront cliffs in San Clemente, a few miles away, led to the closure of the city's beach paths, particularly in the city's north end.
Stairs leading to the coastal path at Dije Court, El Portal and Lasuen Beach were added to the list of closed access points last week due to ongoing instability in the area.
However, an evacuation in Dana Point has yet to be ordered as residents' resilience continues to be tested. Engineers were still examining the site on Sunday as some rain showers are forecast for next week.