The Guatemala sinkhole 2010 is not unprecedented in that nation. In fact, the Guatemala sinkhole 2010 isn’t even the first one in that area in the last four years. Right nearby the current hole, a similar one formed in 2007, which was actually more destructive. Three people were killed by the 2007 incident, whereas there are no confirmed deaths or injuries from last week’s devastation. For the large part, the country has avoided far worse damage than they could have gotten from these problems. However, the Guatemala sinkhole 2010 could be their last narrow escape, if something isn’t done soon.
It is too early to tell exactly what caused this giant crater. However, early speculation is that sewers and water from pipelines could have been responsible. If that is the case, then the Guatemala sinkhole 2010 could be more of a “piping feature”
Whatever it is, it is clear that it could very easily be just the beginning. Since this kind of thing has happened twice in four years, it seems the ground is more vulnerable than most thought. For now, these craters have formed in one zone of the city, but that doesn’t mean other areas aren’t at risk. In fact, the other natural disasters in the nation may only be helping it along.
The Guatemala sinkhole 2010 may have been the most popular Internet topic about the country. But it also suffered from dozens of deaths in Tropical Storm Agatha, and a volcanic eruption days before. The ash and dust are still a problem, as they are causing air pollution and getting into the nation’s water.
The remains of volcanic ash and dust helped cause the last hole, and could be a cause of the Guatemala sinkhole 2010. Since it is still coming down, the ash could be contaminating even more water, and help to form the sinkholes of the future.
Thus far, the nation got luck with the last two, but if this trend continues, the Guatemala sinkhole 2010 could be just a drop in the bucket. No one appeared to be hurt from it last week, since everyone was hunkering down for Tropical Storm Agatha. But if this happens again, and takes down a building with many people in it, it will be an even greater disaster.
Tropical storms and volcanic ash is already threatening Guatemala citizens. As such, they can afford to brush the hole aside, since they have to recover from the storm and mourn those they have lost. But in the coming months, it may have to be their biggest long-term priority.
Once the hole dries out, experts will be able to fully analyze the Guatemala sinkhole 2010. Afterwards, the government must figure out how to stop any more holes for 2010 and beyond – before an even worse one becomes inevitable.
Sources
The Daily Telegraph- “That sinking feeling”
Times & Transcript- “Examining what lies beneath those sinking feelings”
