Mexico Sinkhole Now Larger Than a Football Field, Swallows House and Traps 2 Dogs
A sinkhole in Mexico that is now larger than a football field was reported to swallow a house and trap two dogs.
The Hill reported that the sinkhole that appeared in late May was first reported to be 16 meters in diameter, then quickly grew over the days.
The said sinkhole that emerged at a farm in Central Mexico is now about 125 meters in diameter across in some places, the Associated Press reported.
Although authorities acknowledged that the depth of the sinkhole was hard to tell, officials said the deepest point might be 45 meters.
READ NEXT: First Mexican Suffering From 'Black Fungus' or Mucormycosis Linked to COVID-19 Dies
Mexico Sinkhole Traps 2 Dogs and Swallows a House
Because the sinkhole is now bigger than a football field, authorities confirmed that the hole engulfed a house and trapped two dogs.
Officers from the Central State of Pueblo responded at the scene on Thursday, June 10, upon a request to rescue two dogs.
The dogs were confirmed to be trapped on a ledge on a steep hole dropping 15 meters to the water. The dogs were identified as Spay and Spike.
"In a responsible way, the rescue of Spay and Spike, who fell into the sinkhole in Santa María Zacatepec," the government of the central state of Puebla said in a statement.
Authorities also acknowledged that rescuing the two dogs will be dangerous since the loose soil on the sinkhole edges continues to collapse into the water present at the bottom of the pit.
"Despite the risky conditions and taking all the precautions, dogs have been fed," the state government noted.
Apart from the two dogs, a house made of bricks and a cinder block was engulfed by the sinkhole. A resident of the home expressed the anguish they felt after being victimized by the pit.
"It's a very hard time for us. It hurts because this is all that we have," said Magdalena Xalamigua Xopillacle. The resident added that they feel sick from so much sadness. Meanwhile, officials confirmed that Xopillacle's family was evacuated.
Formation of Sinkholes
Experts believe that the sinkhole in Mexico, which is now bigger than a football field, was caused by an underground river. However, some residents believe that the sinkhole was a result of excessive groundwater by factories.
In response, Puebla Governor Miguel Barbosa said if the water extraction caused the sinkhole, he would cancel the factories' permits.
St. Johns River Management District underscored that sinkholes like the one in Mexico form when limestones underneath the earth are slowly dissolving.
It happened when rainfall that has reacted to decaying vegetation and carbon dioxide formed slightly acidic water that seeps through the soil.
Because the sinkhole in Mexico is now bigger than a football field, officials warned people to stay away from its location. The Mexican government also placed soldiers in the vicinity to keep the people away from the pit.
READ MORE: Mexican Cartel Activity Suspected in Largest Drug Bust in Los Angeles' Sheriff Department's History
WATCH: Sinkholes Began to Appear Everywhere Around the World: China, Florida, Israel, Mexico - From When The Earth Is Angry