Large Sinkhole Forces Evacuations in English Village

A large sinkhole has forced the evacuation of residents and closure of a high street in the English village of Godstone, Surrey. The incident, which occurred on Monday night, has led to a 100-metre cordon being put in place and a major incident being declared by Surrey County Council.

The sinkhole, measuring at least 65 feet (20 metres) in diameter, appeared on Godstone High Street, causing significant damage to the road and nearby properties. Surrey Police evacuated a number of residents and urged others to avoid the area while repair work is carried out.

SES Water, the utility company responsible for the area, confirmed that one of its water main pipes had burst on the street, contributing to the sinkhole's formation. The company has deployed teams to fix the issue and restore water supplies to affected homes.

Residents affected by the incident have expressed their concerns and frustration with the lack of communication and support from local authorities. Nicola and Damian Styles, a couple who were evacuated from their home, criticized the lack of a help desk number or organized communication from the authorities. Alan and Tracey Jones, another couple who took in their daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter after they were evacuated, also complained about the lack of information and support.

Kevin Boll, a local resident, described the scene as "massive" and expressed concern for the safety of motorists and residents in the area. He noted that the sinkhole had appeared suddenly and grown over time, highlighting the potential danger posed by such events.

Carl Bussey, Surrey County Council's assistant director for Safer Communities and chairman of the Strategic Co-ordination Group for the incident, stated that the council was working together with emergency services and utility companies to protect the public and property in the area. He urged residents to remain away from the vicinity while repair work is ongoing.

Sinkholes are a significant risk in areas with soluble rocks, such as limestone, gypsum, or salt beds. These rocks can be dissolved by water over time, creating underground voids that can collapse, leading to sinkholes. In the case of Godstone, the presence of limestone in the area may have contributed to the formation of the sinkhole.

To mitigate the risk of sinkholes and minimize their impact, local authorities and residents can take several steps:

1. Regularly inspect and maintain infrastructure, such as roads, buildings, and utilities, to identify potential sinkhole hazards early.
2. Implement proper drainage and water management practices to prevent water from accumulating and causing sinkholes.
3. Encourage public awareness and education about the risks and signs of sinkholes to help residents take proactive measures to protect themselves and their properties.
4. Limit development in areas with a high probability of sinkhole occurrence through zoning regulations, land-use planning, or other means.
5. Develop and maintain emergency response plans to minimize the impact of sinkholes when they do occur, including contingency plans for water and utility supplies, and procedures for evacuating residents and securing affected areas.

By taking these proactive measures, local authorities and residents can help prevent or minimize the impact of sinkholes, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.