Terrifying sinkhole swallows part of neighborhood, forces evacuations
The heavy rainfall from a series of storms, particularly Storm Bert, has contributed to the sinkhole's formation and growth.
A giant sinkhole formed in the village of Pant in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, after Storm Bert brought heavy rain to the area on Dec. 1.
In the wake of Storm Bert's fury in November, the village of Pant in the city of Merthyr Tydfil in Wales is dealing with a colossal sinkhole that suddenly yawned open on Dec. 1. The enormous chasm, now a staggering 40 feet deep and 33 feet wide, has forced the evacuation of approximately 30 homes, displacing residents during the holidays.
After 11 days of intense efforts to stabilize the sinkhole, Merthyr Tydfil council said on Wednesday that a six-foot steel pipe has been inserted into the existing culvert to support the flow of any overflow water going through and keep the sinkhole from growing, according to the BBC.
(Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)
(Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)
The council has begun the process of filling the hole with stone. Utilities have been successfully restored to some properties, allowing a handful of residents to return home. Sheila and Meurig Price, among the first to return, expressed their relief.
"It’s nice to get back home and get the heating and television working again," Mr. Price told the BBC. "We have been worried, but a meeting with the local authority assured us that it will be safer now than it's ever been."
(Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)
The U.K. has recently been hit by a series of severe storms, including Storm Darragh, which left tens of thousands without power, and Storm Conall, which caused localized floods. The heavy rainfall from these storms, particularly Storm Bert, has contributed to the sinkhole's formation and growth. The Environment Agency reported "significant river and surface-water flooding across much of England" in late November.
This intense video shows people racing for cover as a “tidal surge” raced through the streets of Tenbury Wells, England, after a flood wall collapsed on Nov. 24 in the midst of Storm Bert.
The council remains hopeful that all residents will be able to return to their homes by the middle of next week, once the hole is filled and utilities are restored in the remaining properties.
"Residents have been fantastic and really supportive. Everyone is desperate to come home for Christmas," Brent Carter, leader of Merthyr Tydfil Council told the BBC. "The site is as secure as it possibly can be. The culvert is in very good shape. Everything is looking good."
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