Forum: Take steps to prevent sinkholes caused by human activity
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DeeperDive is a beta AI feature. Refer to full articles for the facts.
Sinkholes appeared recently in Kuala Lumpur and Seoul (Woman falls into 8m-deep sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur, rescue operation under way, Aug 23; New sinkhole opens up in Kuala Lumpur about 50m from where tourist fell, Aug 28; Two injured after sinkhole swallows car in Seoul, Aug 30).
Sinkholes have also appeared in Singapore over the years. One occurred in Keppel Road in 2013. A driver who drove his car into it, thinking it was a puddle, estimated the hole to be around 2m wide and 0.5m deep.
Other reported cases of sinkholes that appeared in 2013 occurred in Clementi, Woodlands Road and Commonwealth Avenue West.
The concern is whether there are any mitigating and preventive measures as sinkholes are unpredictable. Roads here are heavily used and with roadwork and construction going on, motorists and pedestrians need assurances from the relevant authorities that our roads are safe.
Many natural sinkholes cannot be prevented. However, those caused by human activity can be mitigated with technology to locate possible caverns near the surface.
The authorities should educate the public about the warning signs of an impending sinkhole. Experts say warning signs are cracks around door and window frames and an increasing number of exposed tree roots on properties. Other signs are depressions in the grounds of properties.
Roads near construction sites and underground water pipes should be periodically inspected. It’s a holistic effort and involves all stakeholders.
Desmond Cheng
