Giant sinkhole in Russia

A large new sinkhole has been discovered near a mine in Russia's Perm region, causing concern among local residents.

Death sinkhole near Solikamsk-2 mine. Photo: Uralkali

Workers at the Solikamsk-2 mine of the Uralkali company first discovered the sinkhole on November 18. It is about 20-30 meters wide and is more than three kilometers east of the Solikamsk-2 mine.

Residents fear the sinkhole will grow larger and swallow their homes. However, Uralkali representatives insist that the sinkhole will not have a major impact on the company's operations or on local residents. Authorities say the sinkhole will expand to a maximum of 50-60 meters, but is not dangerous.

Before the sinkhole appeared near the town of Solikamsk, the company evacuated all workers as the Solikamsk-2 mine was flooded with salt water. All operations in the area have been suspended and groundwater levels are being monitored.

Solikamsk-2 is connected to the abandoned Solikamsk-1 mine. Meanwhile, the town of Solikamsk sits entirely on top of the Solikamsk-1 mine. The underground tunnel connecting the two was blocked years ago, but if the Solikamsk-1 mine were to flood, the entire town would have to be evacuated.

According to RT, experts are studying the impact on the road connecting the two mines, preventing flooding in Solikamsk-1.

Similar incidents have affected several Uralkali facilities. Flooding forced the closure of the company’s oldest mine in 2006, and a large sinkhole opened in the town of Berezniki. Another sinkhole opened in Berezniki in 2011, measuring 137 meters wide and less than a kilometer from a residential area.

According to VnExpress