Massive sinkhole opens in southeastern Mexico
A giant sinkhole measuring 80 m (262 feet) in diameter has opened up on a field in southern Mexico on Saturday, May 29, 2021. No damage or injuries were reported, but a nearby home is at risk of being swallowed as the gaping hole continues to expand rapidly each day. Scientists are considering several hypotheses as the possible causes, including variations in the soil's water content.
The sinkhole appeared in the town of Juan C. Bonilla, Puebla State, in the southeastern region, according to state officials. It is estimated to be about 15 m (50 feet) deep.
Authorities said there were no reports of damage to structures or injuries, but a nearby home is at risk of being swallowed. The residents have been evacuated while the public was warned to stay away from the hole.
The homeowners said they heard a loud boom that sounded like thunder before the sinkhole appeared. They then saw the ground started sinking and water bubbling.
"We have nothing. We're not from here. We have no relatives. We're alone," said homeowner Heriberto Sanchez, who was originally from Veracruz State.
According to Beatriz Manrique, Puebla's environmental secretary, the sinkhole started at about 5 m (15 feet) in diameter, and then expanded over 24 hours. The hole then rapidly grew to 60 m (197 feet) on Monday, May 31.
As of Tuesday, June 1, the sinkhole measured 80 m (262 feet) in diameter.
Apenas el domingo se dio a conocer la aparición de socavón en Santa María Zacatepec, Puebla, y que, hasta la mañana de este martes, ya tenía un diámetro de 80 metros.https://t.co/B4MChI7YWk
: AFP pic.twitter.com/M6i5lakfB1
— @diario24horas (@diario24horas) June 2, 2021
AVISO:
En estudio el socavón que apareció en #Zacatepec municipio de Juan C Bonilla #Puebla
El 29 de mayo con solo 5m de diámetro y hoy alcanza 60m y 20m de profundidad
Posible origen por extracción de mantos acuíferos pic.twitter.com/hKBaaPUcp9— Geól. Sergio Almazán (@chematierra) May 31, 2021
Es una prioridad salvaguardar la integridad de los pobladores, manifestó @ANALUCIAHILL, secretaria de Gobernación, durante un recorrido de evaluación en el área del #Socavón, en #Zacatepec. Instruyó a @PC_Estatal a monitorear de cerca la evolución del siniestro pic.twitter.com/BhR5xcJg4k
— SEGOB Puebla (@Segob_Puebla) June 1, 2021
The exact cause is under investigation, but local media reported that the sinkhole lies on what's known as the Alto Atoyac geological fault, which is also being looked into by authorities.
Puebla governor Miguel Barbosa said the situation "is a matter of enormous risk."
"It is a geological fault that must be addressed with great care, with technique, and with all the precautions and we are doing it."
"It will grow until nature decides when the water stops exerting pressure. The important thing now is public safety"
Vía @ALunaSilva:#ALERTA Continúa creciendo el socavón ubicado en Santa María Zacatepec, en el municipio de Juan C. Bonilla #Puebla. pic.twitter.com/uiGZ7Iq1hy
— Webcams de México (@webcamsdemexico) May 31, 2021
#Impactante | Pobladores de Santa María Zacatepec reportan un enorme #socavón de aproximadamente 100 metros de diámetro y 20 metros de profundidad en una zona de cultivos que antes era un jagüey. Afirman que hasta el momento no han acudido autoridades a la zona. #Puebla pic.twitter.com/YAWYgkVA6Y
— Juan Carlos Valerio (@JCarlos_Valerio) May 30, 2021
Un #socavon de al menos 60 metros de diámetro por 15 metros de profundidad, dentro del cual hay agua, se abrió en la comunidad de Zacatepec, municipio de Juan C. Bonilla #Puebla.
En vecino del lugar captó el momento en que el #Socavón se expande en terrenos de cultivo. pic.twitter.com/5hFON9Rcm0— Ana Laura Vásquez (@analita_vasquez) June 1, 2021
Featured image credit: Geól. Sergio Almazán
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