The sinkhole destroyed lands around the homes of Nguyen Thi Huyen and Nguyen Van Thuan in Cong Hoa Ward in Quang Ninh Province.
Thuan said he heard loud noises outside around 2 a.m. on Feb. 5. When he ran out into the yard, he saw that Huyen's garden and some of the structures around it had been swallowed by the ground, leaving behind a large sinkhole.
The rest of the sinkhole affected Thuan's land plot, encroaching into the house's yard and foundation.
A wing of Huan's house now leans towards Huyen's side. Cracks run through the floor, meaning it could collapse at any moment.
A survey by the Vietnam Geological Department revealed that the hole's area spans around 60 m2, by its depth has not been confirmed. Experts said that because the sinkhole appeared with a bang, there might be a lot of empty space underneath it.
Locals said the sinkhole occurred on a section of filled-in river, but such an incident has never happened in the past.
The incident also resulted in long cracks in the ground around the neighborhood, impacting houses belonging to other locals.
Pictured is a sign that marks that time where the 1.7-cm crack was recorded on the morning of Feb. 5.
Nguyen Van Duong's house, which is located around 40 m from the sinkhole, now leans to a side, forcing his family to evacuate elsewhere to live. Authorities from Quang Yen Town have erected tape and warning signs in the area. They have also been helping people relocate their belongings to safer places.
The Quang Yen People's Committee have also issued decisions to relocate the families of Nguyen Thi Huyen, Nguyen Van Thuan, Nguyen Van Duong and Dinh Van Hiep away from eroded areas beginning Feb. 5.
Authorities have also supported each family with VND35 million ($1,418) and 20 kg of rice per person.
New cracks continued to appear on the walls of Duong's house on March 11, over a month after the sinkhole appeared.
Nguyen Van Bac, deputy chairman of the Quang Yen People's Committee, said that once investigations are completed and solutions are provided by the Vietnam Geological Department, the town would present the best path for the people to stabilize their lives.
If relocation is required, the town would present plans to reclaim people's land and give them new land plots for relocation.
Bui Van Hai, a neighborhood guard, takes notes of every new cracks and abnormal signs near the sinkhole area. He will inform authorities about major changes to the areas near the sinkhole.
Police forces and militia members have been stationed 24/7 in the area, where a warning sign has been placed, to maintain security and help with relocation.
