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Heavy rainfall earlier this week caused alarm at two south coast beauty spots with repair work now needed at Saints Bay and Petit Bot.
On Tuesday water was seen coming through holes in the wall at Petit Bot after the torrential rain joined the natural stream and poured down Petit Bot forcing water on to the bay.
Photos and videos showing water coming through tiny gaps in the granite wall, as well as through the drains built in to the wall, caused some alarm.
Just to clear up some possible confusion, this was water coming through the wall (not just through the drain) onto the beach at Petit Bot this morning, not the road #Guernsey - but still not good... pic.twitter.com/HZqMldr44N
— Vauvert Moths (@vauvertmoths) January 17, 2023
An Environment & Infrastructure spokesperson said the wall has not been breached but will need repointing. The existing small gaps in the wall should then be fixed and no more water should get through it.
“Due to the recent heavy rainfall, the increased flow of water at Petit Bot is passing through the outfall in the wall as intended, and there is some minor water leakage through some of the mortar joints," the spokesperson said.
“An engineer was sent to inspect the wall and the surrounding area when this was reported, and they have confirmed that there is no evidence of the wall breaching at this time. The wall will require repointing to rectify the small leaks, which will be arranged, and a further inspection of the stonework will be carried out once the flow of water is reduced.”
At Saints Bay, the constables reported a landslip and further unstable ground on the path leading down to the bay.
The access to the bay was shut off while checks could be made and an Agriculture, Countryside & Land Management Services spokesperson said it will be fixed once the land has dried out enough.
1/ As a result of the recent heavy rainfall, the upper and lower cliff paths from Saints Bay Hotel heading east are closed due to a landslip and the associated risk of falling debris and unstable trees. Signs will be put in place as soon as possible. pic.twitter.com/1NdRmyKmiC
— States of Guernsey (@Govgg) January 18, 2023
The area remains unsafe with loose ground and rocks so it remains closed to the public.
“Following an extended period of extremely heavy rain, material has slipped on the cliff paths near Saints Bay over a length of approximately 10 metres," said the ACLMS spokesperson.
“Natural events such as this can occur along our cliffs and headlands at any time and without warning but are more likely during periods of very heavy rain.
“For their own safety, islanders need to avoid the area as there are large rocks on the cliff path below and, given the ground is saturated in that area, and more rain is possible, there is still a risk of further slips.
“Work will need to be carried out, but we need to wait until the land is less saturated before a States engineer undertakes a more detailed assessment of the situation."
ACLMS said staff have been checking Guernsey's cliff paths for any additional issues.
Anyone who sees an issue can report it by calling 220110 or emailing aclms@gov.gg.
The spokesperson said: "If members of the public are able to use the ‘What3words’ app to give us an exact location, that would be particularly helpful.”
ACLMS staff have also been assessing damage to trees across the island to ensure public safety following the week's wet and windy weather
In total, 19 trees have fallen on public land, roads or paths, including eight large ones.
Any which were blocking pathways or seem dangerous have been cleared and ACLMS and Guernsey Trees for Life have already started to consider where replacement trees can be planted.
Pictured: Guernsey on Tuesday, compared to Jersey.
On Wednesday, a Guernsey Met Office spokesperson said that so far in January there had been 114.2mm of rain against a 30-year average of 92mm for the month.
The wettest January on record was in 2001 where 210.0mm of rainfall was recorded.
Guernsey Water said this has replenished the island's water stocks with reservoirs now at 100% capacity.
Jersey received even more rain than Guernsey this week, with a low-pressure system sitting over the larger island meaning they received the brunt of the stormy weather.
At least 50 households were evacuated.
Water reserves at 100% after dry summer
Guernsey's limited flooding compared to Jersey
JERSEY: "Major incident" as overflowing reservoir threatens more homes
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