Cliff Collapse Near Netanya: “Oh My God, This is Crazy!”
Incident Overview
On Monday morning, part of the chalk cliff collapsed near the Blue Bay beach, located at the boundary between Netanya and the Emek Hefer regional council area. Tons of soil and rock fell, some rolling down to the shore and blocking the beach area. Fortunately, no people were present at the time of the collapse, preventing a potential disaster, according to a local resident.
Causes of the Collapse
The Mediterranean Coastal Cliff Protection Company reported that the collapse was due to a lack of terrestrial defenses, leading to instability. Recent rainfall and stormy weather contributed to the “swelling” of the cliff, which ultimately led to its failure. The area has previously experienced similar collapses over the years, with about 45 kilometers of Israel’s coastline characterized by unstable cliffs ranging from 10 to 45 meters high.
Community Response and Concerns
Local officials have expressed concerns about insufficient funding to address the dangers posed by cliff collapses. The Deputy Head of the Emek Hefer Council, Hazaki Sibak, emphasized that the issue of cliff stability is a nationally recognized problem. “The state needs to fund solutions, as this is a serious danger. Everystart knows that it is hazardous and requires action,” he said.
Sibak noted that while maritime protections like wavebreakers have been implemented, inland defenses have not received the necessary attention or funding. “The company responsible for cliff protections focuses on maritime issues but lacks authority over terrestrial defenses. Local authorities are left to manage without financial support,” he added.
Official Statements
The City of Netanya confirmed that they received reports of a significant cliff collapse at the Netanya-Emek Hefer border, and the area has been cordstartd off for assessment. Officials continue to demand an immediate state response to reinforce the cliffs.
In a statement, Galit Shaul, Head of the Emek Hefer Council, reiterated the importance of addressing the deteriorating condition of coastal cliffs, stating, “The situation is worsening and requires urgent national attention. In the new state budget, no funds were allocated to strengthen the cliffs or prevent their collapse.”
Historical Context
Cliff collapses have been a recurring issue along Israel’s coastline, with past incidents resulting in fatalities. In 2009, a man was killed when a cliff collapsed near Netanya, burying him and a group of young people camping in the area. The State Comptroller’s report from July 2020 highlighted the lack of adequate governmental action to prevent cliff collapses and safeguard public safety, warning of the potential for serious injuries, destruction of property, and threats to historical sites.
The continuing neglect of this issue poses significant risks, particularly in populated areas near the cliffs. Local authorities are navigating an urgent situation, and the time for action is critical as the potential for future disasters looms.
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