Large ‘ground depression’ sparks evacuations in Florida
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Several residents have been evacuated after a large “ground depression” opened up underneath a home in Florida Saturday night.
At 6:30 p.m., the Groveland Police Department was called to the home after the hole was discovered. Fire crews arrived shortly after to assist.
As of now, the hole is 18 feet by 25 feet wide and 10 feet deep, Lake County officials said.
Only one home has been forced to evacuate so far and two other homes were told to evacuate as a precaution.
According to officials, the primary home has been deemed “uninhabitable” by the city until further mitigation. No injuries were reported.
NBC affiliate WESH spoke with residents who said the ground depression is worrisome.
“We have been staying at that house for 18 to 20 years, and so it’s been like my childhood, but you know, I’m just praying all is good,” Christopher Zingo Jr., who was staying at his grandparents’ home when they were told to evacuate, said.
The city offered hotels for the families impacted and the Red Cross is also assisting them.