Several Florida residents have been evacuated from their homes after a sudden, large “ground depression” opened up in the neighborhood.
Government officials are now closely watching the development of this ground depression and ensuring no other residents in the neighborhood will be affected.
The Appearance of a Sudden Ground Depression
This event occurred on Saturday night in Lake County, Florida. Around 6:30 p.m., Groveland Police arrived at a home to discover that a ground depression had formed.
The police, as well as a quickly called fire crew, helped the family who owned the home, as they were forced to evacuate quickly and safely.
Neighborhood Evacuations
As a precaution, two other homes were told to evacuate. However, only the home on top of the ground depression has been forced to leave, as that house has now been condemned.
This sudden appearance of depression in the ground has worried and frightened many neighbors in the area — especially those who live right next door to the condemned home.
The Ground Depression Hasn’t Grown
Since this event occurred, officials have noted that the ground depression hasn’t grown, which is a positive sign. However, they are waiting for experts to further evaluate the area.
Lake County officials have also explained that the hole is about 18 feet by 25 feet wide and is 10 feet deep.
Officials Are Helping Families Affected
City officials are helping out the families that have been affected by this large ground depression, as they have offered them hotel rooms to stay in.
The Red Cross has also revealed that they are assisting those impacted by this sudden event.
When Can the Families Return?
So far, officials haven’t explained when these families may be able to return to their property. The family who has a home that is right over the hole particularly may have a long journey ahead of them.
However, officials have said that a geoengineering inspection is set to occur early this week, which could help clear things up for these families.
Neighbors Worry For Others
Many neighbors who live in the area have expressed their worries for the families who have had to evacuate.
One neighbor, Mike Greene, said, “I feel for the families. I heard about it last night. I saw the lights and the firefighters in and out of this area.”
An Ongoing Situation
Officials have explained that this is still an ongoing situation, especially as it could grow. Most of the depression remains hidden underneath the home.
Groveland Fire Department’s Chief said, “This hole has not grown in size or moved in almost 48 hours now. Safety is the number one priority. Secondly is to do what we can to protect the structure and the adjoining structure, which it hasn’t technically crossed over the property line yet.”
Ground Depressions vs Sinkholes
Some experts have come out to explain the difference between ground depressions and sinkholes, as they are not the same.
UCF engineering professor Manoj Chopra stated, “Not all ground depressions are sinkholes. Ground depressions can be caused by many different reasons. It could be erosion due to water flow. It could be something underneath, such as a pipeline. Whereas sinkholes only happen when the soil on top of this rock migrates through the cracks in the rock, causing cavities to form, and eventually the cavities grow with more water, so the surface fails.”
Florida Is Known For Sinkholes
Unfortunately, Florida has made a name for itself when it comes to ground depressions and sinkholes.
Areas of Florida have even been coined Sinkhole Alley because many sinkholes have appeared in the vicinity throughout history.
Sinkholes and Ground Depressions Cannot Be Predicted
Unfortunately, there’s no way to tell if sinkholes or ground depressions may occur in an area, as these situations cannot be predicted. This makes their appearance all the more dangerous and sudden.
However, experts have said to always look out for depression and water accumulation in your yard or garden, as this could predict that depressions may be forming.
An Uncertain Future
Those who have been evacuated from their homes are still awaiting news on whether or not they can return. Charles Alvarez, who has lived in his home since 2006, has opened up about his predicament.
“We went out to dinner, and the insurance company called my cell phone and told me, ‘You better come over here now because we have a big problem,” Alvarez explained. “The Fire Department said we have to evacuate for our safety because they don’t know if that’s going to expand, if the sinkhole or depression may expand into our area, into our house.”
