Geologists warn of new landslides on the Sanzhiytsia coast

The coastal strip near Sanzhiyka is losing stability, and dangerous faults are getting closer to people's homes. Experts and local authorities recognize that the situation will only get worse without large-scale coastal reinforcement.

This was reported by Suspilne.

Large-scale landslides have intensified on the coast in the village of Sanzhiika, Odesa region, gradually destroying the coastline and approaching residential areas. Geologists warn that the process will not stop, and the danger zone may reach homes in the future.

According to geologist Dmytro Zhdanov, the distance from the edge of the landslide to residential buildings is currently about 100 meters. The expert explained that the main cause of the destruction is the constant washing away of slopes by sea waves, especially during storms. Precipitation and even blast waves from shelling also contribute to the intensification of the processes.

The geologist emphasized that the site already poses a danger to people. Previously, there was a descent to the beach, but now it is practically destroyed. According to the geologist, in the past years, there have been fatalities on such landslides when people were covered with soil.

The Dalnytska community confirmed that the problem has existed for many years. Deputy village head Yuriy Lyashenko said that the active phase of landslides lasts about 15-20 years, and the last major landslide occurred about three years ago. Prior to the full-scale invasion, the community was negotiating with investors on coastal protection, but after 2022, all projects were frozen.

The local authorities recognize that the community cannot finance large-scale work on its own. They hope to return to the issue of coastal fortification after the war and resume negotiations with the state and potential investors.

In March, a landslide was recorded near the village of Sanzhiyka, which led to the destruction of part of the coast. Landslides on the coast in this village occur almost every year. Thus, the landslide that has been observed for several years near the village of Sanzhiika in Odesa district continued to increase in April 2025.

Анна Бальчінос