Victoria's emergency services are on high alert due to escalating concerns over potential landslides on the Mornington Peninsula, particularly in the McCrae area, following a recent house collapse and impending storm forecasts.

On Tuesday morning, a $2.3 million residence in McCrae succumbed to a landslide, sliding down a cliff and leaving a council worker injured. The worker, who sustained injuries to his lower limbs after jumping from the second story as the house collapsed, remains in stable condition at Frankston Hospital.

In response, a VicEmergency alert was issued, indicating that site assessments and monitoring would continue, especially with storms predicted in the coming days. Authorities are particularly concerned about the potential for an additional 20mm of rainfall, which could exacerbate the already unstable conditions.

State Emergency Service (SES) Controller Mark Daw confirmed that 11 houses within an established exclusion zone have been deemed uninhabitable. Residents of these homes have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. Daw emphasized the uncertainty surrounding further land movements, stating, "We know there probably will be another slip, but we're unsure how much."

Point Nepean Road, a major thoroughfare in the area, is expected to remain closed for at least a week as geotechnical engineers work to mitigate risks at the site. The closure aims to ensure public safety and facilitate ongoing assessments.

The owner of the collapsed house, Melbourne-based IT entrepreneur Nick Moran, expressed his gratitude that no lives were lost. In a statement, Moran revealed that his holiday home had been impacted by a "30-tonne landslide" from higher up the steep hill a week prior to the collapse. He recounted the narrow escape of his family, noting that the initial landslide "narrowly missed my daughter and wife."

Geotechnical experts have identified the location of the landslide as an old sea cliff composed of highly weathered granite approximately 380 million years old. Professor David Kennedy from the University of Melbourne highlighted the inherent risks of building on such landscapes, especially given recent heavy rainfall that may have contributed to the instability.

In the wake of the incident, the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has taken proactive measures. Mayor Anthony Marsh stated that the council had previously informed the property owner and their insurers of necessary work following an earlier incident on January 5. The area on Penny Lane has been closed until further notice to allow for comprehensive investigations and to ensure public safety.

For residents affected by the landslide, the council has established a community relief hub in Dromana, providing support and information as the situation develops.

As the community braces for the forecasted storms, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the importance of safety and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.