Landslide Consumes Homes

Landslide undermines a house in Nachterstedt, Germany

A large landslide undermined a house and caused a second one to partially collapse, slipping down some 100m into a large crater next to Lake Concordia,  Nachterstedt, Germany. Three people who lived in the houses are missing, presumed swept away into the lake.

House slipped into a large crater in Nachterstedt, Germany. Everything must have happened within a few seconds, a local official said. (Getty Images). Image may be subject to copyright.

The landslide which struck without warning, buried the debris in a massive crater next to the lake.  The lake was reportedly formed in what was  a disused opencast coalmine.

The threat of further landslides hampered the search and rescue team.

“It is too dangerous to search for the missing persons, the hillside is still moving,” local fire department spokesman said.

Related Video:

• http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE56J1UO20090720

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