A dramatic incident unfolded as a section of a cliff collapsed near the Petites-Dalles beach in Normandy, France, on a Friday evening. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as a tourist managed to capture the event on camera. The collapse occurred just before 7 pm, sending a large cloud of dust into the air.
Among the witnesses was Philippe Duboc, the deputy mayor of Saint-Martin-aux-Buneaux in the Seine-Maritime department and local head of the sea rescue service. Recounting the event, Duboc described hearing a loud noise resembling a fighter jet, followed by a small landslide before a massive part of the cliff broke away and slid down, creating a cloud of dust.
Instances of cliff collapses have been on the rise along the Seine-Maritime coast, prompting locals to emphasize the fragility of the cliffs in the area. Residents advise staying on marked paths near the coast and paying attention to warning signs to ensure safety.
The most recent significant cliff collapse in the region occurred near Criel-sur-Mer on August 5, close to Mesnil-Val beach, without causing any injuries or damage to nearby properties.
Authorities are cautioning visitors to steer clear of cliff edges, adhere to safety signage, and avoid walking along the cliff tops or directly beneath the cliffs due to the continuous risk of sudden rockfalls.
Petites-Dalles, a quaint seaside village in Normandy, once a fishing hub, is renowned for its exquisite white chalk cliffs that have inspired artists like Claude Monet. The village is situated near Fécamp, a well-known fishing port in Normandy with striking white cliffs, a small harbor, and the historic Bénédictine Palace, famous for producing the herbal liqueur Bénédictine since the 19th century.
