Biarritz cliff collapse: Two divers sought after section falls near beach

Two people are missing and feared buried after a cliff section collapsed near the Miramar beach in Biarritz, France, on Wednesday evening. The landslide occurred around 8:30 p.m. local time, near the town's lighthouse, as many people were cooling off in the water during a heatwave.

Emergency services were immediately deployed to the scene. The response includes firefighters, sea rescuers, police, and a gendarmerie helicopter. The prefecture of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department confirmed the incident in a statement, detailing the significant resources mobilized for the search and rescue operation.

According to initial reports and witness accounts, three divers were in the water at the foot of the cliff when the collapse happened. Two of these individuals are believed to be trapped beneath the debris. The exact circumstances and the number of people affected are still being clarified as rescue efforts continue throughout the night.

The incident occurred during a period of intense heat, with temperatures soaring, leading many to seek refuge in the sea. The stability of coastal cliffs can be affected by various factors, including weather conditions and erosion, though specific causes for this collapse are under investigation.

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According to the initial elements, three divers from the region were in an area located at the foot of the cliff at the time of the collapse (...) Two of these divers are currently believed to be buried.