Residents of 14 clifftop homes in Hemsby, Norfolk, have been told to leave because Storm Goretti leaves them in danger of “imminent collapse” onto the beach below.
The owners of properties on the Marrams and Fakes Road have been told evacuation is necessary on Thursday night and over the weekend because of the risk of cliff falls.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council said: “We have been liaising closely with people affected by erosion in Hemsby for some time, but the recent spate of storms and forecast of further damage from Storm Goretti means some properties are now in an even more precarious position.
”It is extremely traumatic for those affected, but coastal experts say there is a real risk of collapse.”
The council – the local coastal management authority – said on Thursday that more than 10m (32ft) of land had already been “lost to erosion in recent bad weather”.
The risk of “further substantial damage from Storm Goretti” over the coming days meant the properties faced “imminent collapse”, it added.
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The council said that “safe demolition” now needed to be carried out.
The warning was issued following an assessment of the cliff line and close monitoring.
“Making sure residents and the public are safe is of paramount importance so we are working closely with owners to explain the risks, offer support and advice where necessary and detail the options available to people at this very difficult time,” a council spokesperson said.
Homeowners affected by the latest demolition order have been urged to seek support and advice from council staff in the village.
Hemsby has been impacted by coastal erosion for years, with other residents being forced out of their homes as the coast line receded.
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”It is deeply upsetting for homeowners but doing nothing is simply not an option with the rate of erosion we face,” the spokesperson said.
”Our coastline is one of the fastest eroding in northern Europe and climate change means there will inevitably be further loss of land.
“How we plan for that and provide appropriate support and information about the options available to people is of paramount importance.”
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Hemsby residents have been urged to stay clear of the dune face and pay extra attention when walking in the area.
Some parts of the beach may be closed for safety, the council said.
