Background
Residents in Daisetta, Liberty County, Texas, are living in fear as a massive sinkhole has started to expand unexpectedly. This sinkhole had appeared to be stable for over 15 years before it began to grow hugely about one week ago, and since then, it has devoured buildings and storage tanks, leaving nearby residents terrified that it will take them and their homes. Experts are surveying the site to figure out what triggered the latest collapses. The EPA is also analyzing the contents of nearby tanks to determine whether they contain hazardous material that could pose other risks.
Past Incidence
The sinkhole made national news years ago when it suddenly collapsed on May 8th, 2008. Over two days, it grew to a cavity measuring about 900 feet across and 260 feet deep. Eventually, the community learned to live with the giant hole, treating it as something of a recreational area. However, this latest expansion has renewed fears among residents.
Current Situation
The situation is still unfolding, and more details will become available soon regarding its cause. A vacant building and several storage tanks have so far been consumed by the hole since April 2. Town officials had not issued evacuation orders for residents as of Monday, but they urge everyone to stay away from the area as the property remains unsafe.
Root Cause
Daisetta sits entirely on a salt dome, making sinkholes distressingly common. The entire town of Daisetta is built on a salt dome system of underground structures where oil and gas companies use these domes to store material underground. The sinkhole sits on what was once the DeLoach Oil and Gas Waste Well, where storage of certain products remains on the property. Over time the salt dissolves under heavy rainfall or storms resulting in collapsed earth/sinkholes.
Actions Taken
Officials from the Texas Department of Emergency Management and Liberty County Office of Emergency Management are working with the property owners to address the situation. Crews have arrived on the scene to remove heavy equipment and empty several tanks on the site. The sinkhole is approximately 80 feet away from FM 770, and road safety is being monitored closely.
Concerned Residents
Residents living near the sinkhole express concern and fear of being swallowed up entirely. Some residents have even packed their bags in preparation for a possible evacuation. The sinkhole has gained 150 feet in width and depth, according to Liberty County Assistant Fire Marshal Erskin Holcomb.
Unpredictable Nature of Sinkholes
Sinkholes are unpredictable, and it is not easy to prevent or repair them as they are an act of nature. This latest incident highlights once again that such disasters can happen at any time, causing panic among local residents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this expanding sinkhole in Daisetta, Texas, has caused panic among local residents due to its destructive potential. Experts are still trying to determine the cause of the recent expansion, and it remains uncertain whether further expansions will happen or not. The City of Daisetta continues to monitor the situation closely while updating its residents on any new developments as they become available.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
