A terrifying situation unfolded in Godstone, Surrey, when a second sinkhole appeared in the same area where a massive crater had already caused significant damage and prompted evacuations.
The incident, which occurred on Monday night, has escalated to the point where a major incident was declared.
Affected residents are grappling with the shock of the sinkholes as the road remains closed, and fears continue to rise.
Sinkholes Cause Widespread Disruptions on Godstone High Street
The latest sinkhole opened up on Godstone High Street, forcing authorities to shut down a portion of the road between Oxted Road and Bletchingley Road.
The initial sinkhole, which was 65 feet wide, first appeared on Monday and has since expanded, leading local officials to take swift action.
Emergency crews are working hard to prevent further damage as a number of homes have already been evacuated.
With a large part of the street now swallowed by the hole, a car can be seen teetering dangerously close to the edge.
The properties in this area, built only a few years ago and valued at up to £500,000, are in grave danger.
Many locals worry that there may be caves underneath the surface, exacerbating the problem.
Residents Speak Out About Terrifying Experience
The panic among the residents was palpable, as some families were suddenly forced to leave their homes.
One resident, Noosh Miri, recounted the horrifying moment when the police arrived at her door to warn her to evacuate.
“It sounded like a waterfall,” she told the BBC. “We got out in a hurry with just a few belongings and the kids.”
Now, Miri and her family are staying in temporary accommodation, though they fear they may not be able to return home for several months.
Christine Duncan, a 57-year-old local, has lived in Godstone for over two decades.
She remains in shock after seeing the sinkhole appear suddenly after a trickle of water was spotted by her husband.
“I’ve lived here for 24 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this before,” Duncan said, still processing the unsettling event.
Emergency Teams Respond Quickly to Avoid Further Disaster
Emergency services have responded rapidly to the crisis, evacuating families and setting up barricades.
The police presence is heavy, and even a helicopter was spotted circling the area as officials assess the damage.
The road closure has led to disruptions, with locals expressing concerns about the impact on the vulnerable population, including those in a nearby care home.
Graham Brookes, a 94-year-old resident who has lived in Godstone for nearly a decade, emphasized the worry about elderly people being cut off by the cordon.
“It’s not going to be easy to fix,” Brookes remarked, adding that the entire community is facing significant challenges in the wake of the sinkholes.
Local Concerns About Infrastructure and Safety
The sinkholes have raised alarms among locals, particularly about the condition of the infrastructure in the village.
Many believe that the heavy traffic, especially large trucks passing through the village at high speeds, may have contributed to the issue.
Paul Ryan, another local, pointed out that the sinkholes were somewhat anticipated by residents due to the increasing presence of heavy vehicles on the road.
For some residents, the terror isn’t over. One local woman, who has lived in the area for five years, expressed her fears that her own home could be next. “It’s a very scary situation.
We’re all worried the sinkhole will get bigger,” she said.
Water Supply Issues and Ongoing Emergency Response
As the sinkholes wreak havoc, residents have also faced water supply issues.
A burst water main, which was discovered early on Tuesday, has affected many homes on Godstone High Street.
SES Water has worked to restore supplies, but residents have reported difficulties, especially with discolored water.
A frustrated local voiced concerns on social media, calling for the establishment of water stations and noting the shortage of resources in the area.
The Surrey Local Resilience Forum has taken charge of managing the situation, with the council offering advice to affected residents.
According to Carl Bussey from the Surrey County Council, “We are working on making the area safe and ensuring that utilities are restored.”
Experts Discuss Causes of Rising Sinkholes Across Britain
This sinkhole disaster is part of a concerning trend of sinkholes popping up across Britain.
Experts suggest that severe weather, particularly stormy conditions, and aging drainage systems may be playing a role in the increase.
Martin Lambley, a climate resilience expert, highlighted the vulnerability of urban areas to extreme rainfall, which destabilizes soil and contributes to sinkholes.
Lambley emphasized the importance of sustainable drainage systems to prevent further disasters and protect our cities from the effects of climate change.
As this situation continues to unfold, it serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictable nature of our environment and the importance of being prepared for such emergencies.
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