The popular resort village of Sanjiika in the Odessa region is facing a grave threat from active landslides. Geologists warn that over time, there may be nothing left of the village as the coastal slope systematically erodes.
Geologist Dmitry Zhdanov, during a site inspection with a reporter, stated that the situation in Sanjiika is not local but systemic, as the village is situated in an area of constant geological instability.
«This area is known for its frequent landslides. They occurred 10 years ago, 20 years ago, and they continue to happen. Sanjiika is gradually going into the sea, and soon there may be nothing left», — explained the expert during the review of the most problematic sections of the coastline.
Geological studies have shown that landslides in the Sanjiika area have been occurring for decades, but their intensity has significantly increased recently. Particularly, the processes of coastal erosion surged in the spring of 2025 when one of the largest landslides in recent times occurred, detaching part of the soil from the main shore.
The expert identified several key factors contributing to the landslides in the resort village. The primary cause is the lack of a proper beach, which creates conditions for direct wave impact on the coastal slope during stormy weather.
«There is almost no beach here. Therefore, during storms, the waves constantly hit the cliffs, provoking landslides», — explained Dmitry Zhdanov the mechanism of coastal erosion.
Prolonged heavy rains also pose a risk, saturating the soil with water and contributing to its instability. The geologist also noted a new factor that emerged due to wartime conditions.
«Additionally, during prolonged rains, if heavy rainfall occurs, the soil becomes saturated, which also triggers landslides. Recently, there’s been another factor: if there are any 'hits' on the ground, like micro-earthquakes, it disturbs the slopes, which can also provoke such landslides», — the expert explained the impact of Russian attacks on the geological situation.
Upon detailed examination of the area, specialists discovered numerous cracks indicating the preparation for new landslides in the near future. The scale of the latest landslide has shocked even experienced geologists — a large chunk of land detached from the shore, leaving deep fissures and a deformed surface behind. The coastal slope is crisscrossed by a network of cracks of varying depths and lengths.
To stabilize the critical situation, Dmitry Zhdanov proposed a set of urgent measures. A priority is the creation of a full-fledged beach 10-15 meters wide, which could serve as a natural buffer and protect the coastal slope from direct wave impact during storms. The expert also emphasized the need for a drainage system to effectively remove excess water from the soil.
Progressing landslides are already directly affecting the tourist appeal of the village and the safety of recreation opportunities. Paths and descents to the sea that were once safe for use have now become dangerous due to soil deformation and instability. Vacationers are forced to choose alternative places for summer holidays, negatively impacting the region’s economy.
The local authorities have yet to announce specific measures to address the issue, although the situation requires urgent intervention. Without the implementation of comprehensive coastal protection measures and the establishment of protective infrastructure, the resort village of Sanjiika could completely disappear from the map of the Odessa region in the coming years.
