Encountered a "sinkhole," what to do?
  • 11 June 2024
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Encountered a "sinkhole," what to do?

A sinkhole is a hole or depression on the ground with a nearly circular shape at its mouth. It is formed when the underlying area, typically composed of gypsum, limestone, or dolomite, dissolves, causing the surface above to collapse and create a hole.

Observations before a sinkhole occurs

  1. Soil subsidence or sinking causes walls, fences, house pillars, and trees to rise.
  2. Movement or subsidence of walls, fences, house pillars, and trees causes doors and windows to become misaligned and difficult to close.
  3. Wilting or dullness of plants in narrow areas due to loss of moisture in the soil layer beneath the ground.
  4. Murky or clay-colored water in wells or ponds.
  5. Buildings are showing signs of settling with cracks on walls.

When encountering signs indicating a sinkhole, it's important to:

  1. If you hear loud noises (from the observations before a sinkhole), quickly evacuate the area. If you are in a residential area, move at least 100 meters away from that spot.
  2. Inform the village head, local authorities, or officials to block off the area.
  3. Preliminary size observation: If it appears circular/radiating, create a no-entry zone 10-15 meters away from the area. Extend the no-entry zone further from both ends if it seems elongated, as sinkhole expansion usually occurs along the length.
  4. Erect marked barriers around the area within a 50-meter radius.
  5. Avoid getting close to the area, as sinkholes can develop rapidly after initial observations, sometimes within minutes, and may enlarge within days.

Reference: General knowledge book about sinkholes Environmental Geology, Division Department of Mineral Resources.

Source: Department of Mineral Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.