A huge sinkhole has appeared in a field in the central province of Nghe An.
A huge sinkhole appears in a field in the central province of Nghe An on May 16
Speaking to the Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper on May 17, vice chairman of Quy Hop District People's Committee, Tran Duc Loi said that the sinkhole appeared in Cong Village in Chau Hong Commune at 3 pm on May 16.
"Local people suddenly heard a loud explosion and rushed in to see a large, deep hole," the official said. "It was measured at over 3 metres wide and some 15-20 metres deep."
Loi said that they had sent a team to inspect the area on Tuesday morning.
According to a report from Chau Hong Communal People's Committee, widespread subsidence started in the area which since January 2020 has caused substantial damage to homes and crops.
"So far 114 houses in the area have seen cracks on their walls and grounds," the report said. "Some 300 wells and many rivers and springs have run dry. The situation is suspected to be the result of mining activities in the area. There are currently some 11 mining companies operating in the area since 2000. They extract stone and ore underground using modern drilling machinery. "
Chairman of Quy Hop District People's Committee, Nguyen Dinh Tung said that they were working closely with the North Central Geological Division to soon find out the cause of land subsidence and have measures to ensure safety for local people.
Local authorities have put up many warning boards in affected areas.
