Residents flee as landslide hits home

Hundreds of residents in apartments at the base of Kings Park were evacuated last night after a terrifying landslide - caused by the ferocious thunderstorm - threatened their homes.

The landslide, which started in Kings Park behind the Park Lane and Waldorf apartments, flooded several homes, two cars and the carpark with mud.

Parts of Jacobs Ladder in Mounts Bay Road were also hit. The City of Perth today said Jacob's Ladder would remain closed until further notice.

No one was believed to be hurt, although many residents face an expensive clean-up.

Residents were evacuated and taken by bus to the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre for hot drinks and food after police and emergency services crew feared the buildings were unsafe.

Dozens spent the night in an empty room with blankets supplied but no beds, while others sought refuge in restaurants, hotels and with friends.

Evacuees Kate Walton and Chris Painter said when the storm hit it was like a scene from a disaster movie. "All this water and all this sand started coming down," Ms Walton said.

"When it came down, it really came down. I just saw the carpark and the van filling up with mud - it was pretty dramatic."

The couple said none of the residents panicked and everyone was in good spirits, despite facing a night away from home.

"We were sitting watching TV when the police knocked on our door and said we had to evacuate," Mr Painter said.

"The escarpment has fallen so it's probably best we are away from it. We'll just get on with it - it's water off a duck's back."

Police allowed some residents to return to their apartments to retrieve essential medication before escorting them to the convention centre. Some had pets with them and many had only the clothes they were wearing.

Police and emergency services cordoned off part of Mounts Bay Road last night in case of further landslides.

There were fears about the stability of several buildings.