We do everything we can to try to keep ourselves and our belongings safe. However, there are forces beyond our control that can affect us when we least expect them, such as nature. A homeowner in Butte County, California, shared disturbing images of a cliff near their house that has been eroding the property line. But internet users began to warn this person that something much worse could be happening under their feet.
Redditor LockwoodE3 shared images on r/HomeMaintenance showing how a cliff has been extending beneath the fence marking the boundary of their property. According to OP, this happened after only two weeks of heavy rain. This person in California is concerned because the cliff edge is only 15 feet from the main structure of their house, and they fear for the safety of their property and its inhabitants. In addition to the cliff being quite dangerous because the property is several yards above the base, the drop to the bottom is fairly steep and ends in a lake. The heavy rains not only eroded the land but also uprooted plants and anything else that held the cliff in place.
Not only was the homeowner concerned, but several distressed Redditors commented that the situation could be much more serious than it appears.
“Not stand right there, for starters. And get a geotechnical company out there asap. It doesn’t matter what they cost because if that collapse has already advanced within 15′ of your house, you’re at real risk of your house sliding down that slope and losing the whole thing,” said BreezyMcWeasel.
“Insurance agent here. Check your insurance policy – ground movement is generally not covered under a standard policy. This would mean that when the house does slide, you would be 100% on the hook with your mortgage company and other damages. Get an engineer out there ASAP!” added juwannawatchbravo.
More than one user reiterated that OP should talk to experts, and although it could be very expensive, it is worth saving their home. According to some, this type of erosion, along with the house being very close to the cliff, could indicate that the ground beneath has some damage. Others believe that the homeowner should check their insurance to see whether it can help and should seek temporary shelter if necessary. Unfortunately, there is not always a way to avoid these situations, as they are part of the land’s natural cycle.
