Wales sinkhole ‘getting bigger’ as Storm Darragh sparks race against time

A giant sinkhole in Wales which forced 30 households to evacuate is still getting bigger - as emergency services face a race against time before Storm Darragh hits the country this weekend.

The enormous chasm on Nant Morlais in Merthyr Tydfil emerged earlier this week when neighbours heard a 'rumbling' sound before the large void appeared.

But despite the work of engineers in repairing a broken underground culvert and creating a damn, the hole has continued to grow as residents fear nearby homes could collapse.

Footage shows that despite workers efforts, water is still flowing through the hole - and two giant cranes have been brought in to help the stabilisation works.

The edge of the sinkhole has widened and is now further encroaching onto the drive of Stephen Regan, 55, who moved into the property just a year ago.

What causes sinkholes and where do they appear in the UK?

Sinkholes are caused by the dissolution of soluble rock like limestone, which dissolves when it is hit with acidic rainfall or groundwater.

Several things can trigger sinkholes, like heavy rain or surface flooding, leaking drainage pipes, burst water mains, or nearby mining.

Some areas of the UK are more prone to sinkholes than others because they are on the top of carboniferous limestones, research by the British Geological Survey has found.

These are found in the Mendips, parts of Wales like Merthyr Tydfil, the Peak District, and the northern Pennines including the Yorkshire Dales.

No longer safe

Some neighbours living on Nant Morlais had been told they would be able to return home next week - but Merthyr Tydfil Council say that is no longer safe.

A statement said: "Due to the current weather conditions, the water level within the culvert has risen and Welsh Water have had to pause their works for a crane to be moved onsite to carry out the urgent stabilisation works.

"The water pumps working to divert the flow of the river are also struggling to cope.

"As of this morning, the sinkhole has increased in size.

"Unfortunately, this means that we are no longer in a position to allow householders from the lower end of the cul-de-sac to return home safely, possibly until early next week.

"However, this timeline will be heavily reliant on weather conditions over the weekend.

"We will provide a further update tomorrow."

A total of 29 homes have been evacuated in Pant, Merthyr Tydfil, as work continues to shore up the hole.

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