A major incident has been declared in the village of Godstone, Surrey, after two substantial sinkholes emerged on High Street, leading to the evacuation of approximately 30 properties.
The initial collapse appeared late on Monday 17 February, rapidly expanding to over 20 metres by Wednesday. A second collapse was reported shortly after on the opposite side of the street.
Residents were evacuated due to concerns over potential gas explosions and infrastructure instability.
Some evacuees reported being woken in the early hours by police, instructing them to leave immediately. One resident told Sky News, "We just sort of grabbed everything, the clothes on our back and our work laptops, and drove out quickly."
The affected properties were constructed approximately three years ago on a former sand quarry site, raising questions about the ground's stability. Local authorities are investigating the cause of the sinkholes, with initial theories suggesting a burst water main may have destabilised the area.
The region's geology, characterised by weak, cemented sands prone to erosion, combined with historical sand mining, may have contributed to the collapse, say experts.
Surrey County Council, which is leading the multi-agency response, has implemented road closures and diversions around High Street. The council warns that repairs could extend over several months, urging the public to avoid the area during this period.
The incident has prompted discussions about the potential impact of climate change and extreme weather on ground stability, with experts suggesting that such conditions may increase the likelihood of similar events in the future.
