Massive Sinkholes Force Evacuations in Surrey Village

Two sinkholes, likely caused by a burst water main and unstable geology, have disrupted life in Godstone, leaving residents displaced and infrastructure severely damaged.

A 65-foot-long sinkhole appeared on Godstone High Street on Monday, followed by a second, smaller sinkhole nearby on Wednesday.
Authorities evacuated 30 properties and established a 100-meter safety cordon due to risks of further collapse and exposed utility cables.
Geologists suggest the sinkholes were likely caused by a burst water main eroding weak sandstone bedrock, compounded by the area's landslip-prone geology.
Historical sand mines near the site may have contributed to the instability, though no definitive records confirm mines directly beneath the sinkhole.
Repair timelines remain uncertain, with significant challenges posed by the sinkholes' size and proximity to critical infrastructure.