Three multimillion dollar homes in Dana Point, California are now sitting on the edge of a cliff and appear to be at risk of falling into the ocean after back-to-back rain storms caused a landslide.
Last week, an atmospheric river-also known as a "Pineapple Express"-brought heavy rain, wind, and flooding across California. The rains caused a landslide at Dana Point, leaving the mansions hovering on the edge of a cliff.
The cliff-top homes, located on Scenic Drive, were discovered after a user shared a clip on X-formerly Twitter-from a local ABC broadcast about the properties.
NEW: A $16 million mansion is on the verge of falling off a cliff into the ocean in Dana Point, California.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 13, 2024
Two other homes, priced at $12.8million and $13 million, are in danger of falling off the cliff as well.
The situation took a turn for the worse last week when… pic.twitter.com/iK4w60JCJy
"Over the weekend we had a huge landslide next to three large homes on Scenic Drive," the on-air reporter said in the clip. "Basically, they're just three estate-style homes right on the bluff just outside of Dana Point and the harbor, and you can see how much of the hillside gave way."
In the video footage, a section of the cliff was seen washed away by the recent landslides, leaving the rear of the mansions seemingly dangling at the edge of the cliff. A large pile of dirt, sand, and rocks were also seen at the base of the cliff about 150 feet below. The bottom part of the cliff appeared to have stairs leading to the base prior to the landslide.
The three properties are estimated to be worth about $15.9 million, $14.1 million, and $12.9 million, respectively, according to the New York Post, citing data from real estate company Redfin.
Are the Houses Safe for Occupancy?
Although the cliffside homes are being monitored by local officials, they do not appear to be in any danger. The city said a building inspector was called to assess the residential structures while a geotechnical engineer observed the slide site, per USA Today, citing a statement from local officials.
The houses were found to be built on caissons anchored to the bedrock. Having said that, City Manager Mike Killebrew told the Orange County Register that he recommended the homeowners to do their own professional engineering inspection "out of an abundance of caution."
There are currently no evacuations being planned. The buildings have also not been red tagged by the city, which means a home is deemed unsafe to live in.
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