The Vale of Glamorgan council has issued a warning after a large rock collapse at Jackson's Bay, a popular sandy cove in Barry, Wales. The rocks fell from a cliff face at the beach, which is a 15-minute walk from the more well-known Whitmore Bay.
Heatwave Increases Rockfall Risk
The rockfall comes as thousands of people are expected to head to beaches and coastal areas over the coming days, with another 30C heatwave hitting Wales. While the Met Office says this heatwave will not bring the same hot and humid conditions as the record-breaking one at the end of June, a longer spell of hot weather is forecast, and temperatures are again expected to rise above 30C.
Catherine Pennington, a landslide specialist at the British Geological Survey, previously explained the potential link between rockfalls and high temperatures. "Heat causes rocks to expand and, particularly as they cool, pre-existing cracks can widen and new cracks can form. Fluctuations in temperature can increase the risk of rockfall," she said.
Council Response and Safety Advice
The Vale of Glamorgan council said its team was notified of the large rockfall at Jackson's Bay on Monday afternoon. Officers have been on site to carry out a full assessment. "Rockfalls are not uncommon at cliff-backed beaches, particularly following periods of extreme weather," the council said. "While these checks are taking place, we ask visitors to take extra care, stay away from the cliffs, and follow any safety signage in place at the site."
Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident. People are advised to take notice of warning signs and avoid going directly under or on top of cliffs, due to the potential threat to human life that rockfalls bring.
