Sinkhole in English Village Forces Evacuations and Disrupts Water Supply

Sinkhole Swallows English Village Street, Displacing Residents

A large sinkhole opened up on Godstone High Street in an English village, swallowing parts of the main road and reaching the edge of residential buildings. The incident, which occurred about 20 miles south of London, forced the evacuation of around 30 buildings due to fears of gas pipe ruptures and potential explosions.

Experts believe the sinkhole was caused by a burst water main beneath the road. The broken main likely washed away soil, leading to the collapse. The washed-away soil could also cause problems in nearby sewers.

The village's geology, consisting of sand from a former quarry, contributed to the incident. Sand can be strong when compacted but weakens when wet, especially under high water pressure. An old ordnance survey map indicates a filled-in sand pit near the sinkhole, which may have left weaker soil beneath the surface.

Structural engineers are working to stabilize the area and repair the damage. Residents whose homes lost water supply for over a day have had their water restored.

The cause of the water main break and the sinkhole remains unclear. SES Water, the responsible company, has not commented on the incident.