Bluecliffs residents are reluctantly evacuating their homes this afternoon

The beachside community has been in a State of Emergency for more than a month while attempts have been made to prevent properties giving into exponential erosion.

Work to open the Waiau River failed - after the residents' suggestion to build a rock wall was disregarded by the Southland District Council.

They now have to leave their homes for up to three weeks by 4pm today while a dump site is removed.

Residents spokesperson Glenn Puna says if there were more properties in the area, maybe they would've got more attention.