Families evacuated in Wales as massive sinkhole opens up unexpectedly
- On November 30, a small sinkhole appeared in Nant Morlais, Wales, growing rapidly over ten days.
- Residents reported rumblings before the sinkhole emerged, indicating the collapse may have begun earlier.
- The community was evacuated as engineers worked to stabilize the situation and restore utilities for affected families.
In Nant Morlais, Pant, Wales, a catastrophic sinkhole formed, leading to the evacuation of multiple households. The event began on November 30, 2024, when a small hole appeared on the road, which significantly expanded over the next ten days to over 30 feet wide and nearly 40 feet deep. Initial rumblings and bangs were reported by residents as early as November 24, potentially indicating the start of the sinkhole's formation. It is believed that heavy rainfall, particularly from Storm Bert, which caused over six inches of rain, triggered a landslide that created a cavern beneath the street, making the sinkhole inevitable. The local authorities took immediate action, sending engineers to assess the situation as the hole expanded dramatically and posed a significant risk to public safety. The situation worsened with additional flooding from Storm Darragh just weeks later, complicating the recovery efforts and raising concerns about further erosion and collapses. With the community under threat, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council made the decision to evacuate the entire area for residents' safety. Engineers constructed a dam and installed pumps to divert water and prevent the sinkhole from enlarging even more. Restoration efforts are ongoing, and essential utilities are gradually being reestablished, allowing some families to return home, with hopes that all displaced residents can come back soon. Current efforts focus on filling the sinkhole with stone to stabilize the area and ensure the safety of the returning residents.