A major incident has been declared in the village of Godstone, Surrey, after two large sinkholes emerged on the High Street, leading to the evacuation of approximately 30 homes and significant disruptions to local infrastructure.
The initial sinkhole appeared late Monday night, rapidly expanding to at least 65 feet (20 meters) by Tuesday afternoon. A second opening has since developed, exacerbating concerns among residents and officials. The sinkholes have swallowed parts of the road and at least one garden, with a car precariously positioned on the brink of collapse. Surrey County Council has established a 100-meter cordon around the affected area and is advising the public to avoid the vicinity. The Local Resilience Forum is actively coordinating efforts to ensure safety and expedite repairs. Investigations into the cause of the sinkholes are ongoing, with initial assessments suggesting that a burst water main may have contributed to the ground instability. Water and electricity supplies have been disrupted, but efforts are underway to restore services to the affected homes.
Residents have expressed alarm and uncertainty regarding the situation. Noosh Miri, whose family was evacuated, described the experience as “utter panic” upon discovering the sinkhole at her doorstep. Another resident, Rez Mira, recounted the terrifying collapse of his garden. Displaced individuals have been temporarily accommodated in local hotels, with support from Tandridge District Council. However, the timeline for their return remains uncertain, as structural assessments and remediation efforts continue.
The incident has also led to significant traffic disruptions, with the closure of Godstone High Street affecting access to the M25 motorway. Authorities are working diligently to assess the structural integrity of the surrounding area and to develop a plan for repairs. The underlying geology of the region, characterized by chalk rock and a history of sand quarrying, may have contributed to the ground’s susceptibility to collapse. The combination of natural geological features and recent heavy rainfall is being examined as a potential factor in the sinkholes’ formation.
As the situation develops, residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and to adhere to safety advisories issued by local authorities. The community’s resilience and the coordinated response of emergency services aim to address the immediate challenges posed by this unexpected geological event.
Sources:
- Double sinkhole in Surrey forces Godstone villagers from homes
- Sinkhole opens up on the main street of an English village
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