Two large sinkholes in Godstone High Street, Surrey, caused officials to declare a major incident, displacing residents and prompting investigations into the geological reasons behind the holes' formation.
Sinkholes Erupt in Surrey, Prompting Evacuations and Major Incident Declaration
Sinkholes Erupt in Surrey, Prompting Evacuations and Major Incident Declaration
A sudden opening of two significant sinkholes in Surrey has led to the evacuation of nearby homes as local authorities address the potential risks associated with these geological events.
A giant sinkhole has opened on a street in Godstone, Surrey, resulting in the evacuation of approximately 30 homes. The local council declared a major incident following the emergence of two significant holes that appeared on Monday night and expanded significantly by Tuesday. The first sinkhole measures approximately 65 feet by 20 feet and is around 16 feet deep, while the second sinkhole on the opposite side of the road is 16 feet by 16 feet and equally deep.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause, which remains unclear. Experts speculate that the area's geology, characterized by weakly cemented sandstone formed over 100 million years ago, could have contributed to the sinkholes' formation. Andrew Farrant from the British Geological Survey suggests that sudden changes in ground conditions, potentially triggered by heavy rainfall or issues such as a burst water main, may lead to soil erosion and subsequent collapses.
Investigations are ongoing regarding the specific cause, as reports have indicated that a burst water main might have dislodged the sandstone bedrock beneath the road. There’s also a concern regarding the impact of aging infrastructure as Britain pushes for increased housing, leading to greater water pressure on existing pipes. Additionally, climate change is raising the likelihood of intense rainfall that may exacerbate these issues.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, but the evacuation has left residents uncertain about their future. One local evacuated resident, Noosh Miri, expressed concerns, stating, “Our house is not secure at all. At the moment we don’t know the extent of the damage but we do know we won’t be going home for some time.” Authorities are maintaining a focus on ensuring public safety while determining the fate of the homes affected.
