A massive sinkhole in Michigan is threatening local residents and forcing officials to pump the sewage water into a nearby river as they race to prevent the sludge from filling residents' basements.
On Christmas eve a sinkhole which is 250 feet long and 100 feet wide, erupted in Fraser, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The Authorities believe that the sink was formed after an 100 feet wide sewer pipe burst, which was situated 55 feet below the ground.
State emergency was declared on Saturday and twenty two homes were evacuated. No death or injuries were reported, but three homes were damaged.
“One of the house is half way down into the sinkhole and the other two houses are leaning in that direction,” Bob Canon supervisor of Clinton Township told to NBC News.
Electricity and gas service have been shut down in the area as engineers are redirecting the sewage water into the Clinton River, as the river is not connected to any source of drinking water.
We were not left with any other choice, it was a better choice than having sewage water in to our basements, Canon said.
The hole is further growing and the authorities say that the ground will not be safe enough for residents to return for at least two weeks.
This is not the first time, when a sinkhole has struck the area. The same road caved in 2004. it took over $50 million and 10 months of time to fix.
Mayor Joe Nichols said to residents at packed City Hall meeting "My heart goes out to you," I understand that people are very upset here. We are also upset for you. We are looking for the answers. If we stay strong, we will get through this and we will get home."
The sinkhole runs along with the 15 Mile Road, which divides the two towns of Fraser and Clinton Township. It is expected to shut down 15 Mile for several months, which would be a problem for an area which is home to more than ‘Hundred thousand people’.
Engineers with civil engineering firm Anderson, Eckstein and Westrick are working to secure the area.
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