Authorities declare a major incident as investigations into the cause of the sinkholes unfold.
Giant Sinkholes Cause Evacuations in Surrey, England
Giant Sinkholes Cause Evacuations in Surrey, England
Residents forced to evacuate as two large sinkholes open on a street in Surrey, raising safety concerns.
A significant geological event has led to the formation of two large sinkholes in Surrey, southeast England, prompting the evacuation of approximately 30 homes. The Surrey County Council has declared a major incident due to the severity of the situation.
The first sinkhole appeared on Godstone High Street late Monday night, but by Tuesday, it had expanded to a size of 65 feet by 20 feet and reached a depth of 16 feet. A second, smaller sinkhole surfaced across the road, measuring 16 feet by 16 feet and also 16 feet deep. Fortunately, as of now, both sinkholes have stabilized and are no longer growing in size.
The cause behind these sinkholes is currently under investigation and remains unknown. However, experts speculate that the area's geology, consisting primarily of weakly cemented sandstones from over 100 million years ago, may contribute to such incidents. Andrew Farrant, a geologist with the British Geological Survey, noted that these sandstones can be eroded by water, especially following heavy rainfall or a burst water main.
Possible scenarios leading to the sinkholes include ground erosion due to a ruptured water main or collapse due to an unrecorded sand mine beneath the surface. Vanessa Banks, another geologist for the British Geological Survey, indicated that the push for increased construction in Britain has resulted in an overload on aging water infrastructure, which may be exacerbated by climate change leading to intensified rainfall.
While no one is in immediate danger, the situation remains tense for those evacuated from their homes. One resident, Noosh Miri, expressed concerns over the security of their home, stating that the extent of the damage is currently unclear, and they would not be returning for some time.
The first sinkhole appeared on Godstone High Street late Monday night, but by Tuesday, it had expanded to a size of 65 feet by 20 feet and reached a depth of 16 feet. A second, smaller sinkhole surfaced across the road, measuring 16 feet by 16 feet and also 16 feet deep. Fortunately, as of now, both sinkholes have stabilized and are no longer growing in size.
The cause behind these sinkholes is currently under investigation and remains unknown. However, experts speculate that the area's geology, consisting primarily of weakly cemented sandstones from over 100 million years ago, may contribute to such incidents. Andrew Farrant, a geologist with the British Geological Survey, noted that these sandstones can be eroded by water, especially following heavy rainfall or a burst water main.
Possible scenarios leading to the sinkholes include ground erosion due to a ruptured water main or collapse due to an unrecorded sand mine beneath the surface. Vanessa Banks, another geologist for the British Geological Survey, indicated that the push for increased construction in Britain has resulted in an overload on aging water infrastructure, which may be exacerbated by climate change leading to intensified rainfall.
While no one is in immediate danger, the situation remains tense for those evacuated from their homes. One resident, Noosh Miri, expressed concerns over the security of their home, stating that the extent of the damage is currently unclear, and they would not be returning for some time.
