Large sinkholes threaten over 1 200 residents in Buriticupu, Brazil
Significant erosion and large sinkholes are threatening over 1 200 people in the Buriticupu Municipality of Brazil. The town declared a state of emergency on February 11, 2025, due to the growing size of sinkholes in the area.
Arial view of the sinkhole triggered by erosion near Buriticupu in February 2025. Image credit: Marinho Air Drones/ Prefeitura Municipal De Buriticupu
Large sinkholes have been forming in Buriticupu, Maranhão state, since late 2024, posing a growing risk to local residents and forcing authorities to declare a state of emergency on February 11.
According to official reports, several buildings have already sustained damage, and over 1 200 people now face potential displacement in a town of about 55 000.
“In the last few months, the sinkholes have expanded exponentially, approaching substantially closer to the residences,” said the government in a decree that mentioned 16 sectors as high-risk areas for sinkholes triggered by the erosion in the region.
According to local authorities, several factors—including poorly designed drainage systems—have contributed to erosion and the formation of sinkholes. The combination of inadequate drainage, heavy rainfall, and poor street planning causes water to flow through muddy gullies, accelerating soil erosion in the region.
Most of the neighborhoods in the region are located on inclines and slopes, further exacerbating erosion and increasing risks to residential structures.
References:
1 DECRETO Nº 002/2025, EM 11 DE FEVEREIRO DE 2025 – Prefeitura Municipal De Buriticupu – February 11, 2025
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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