Latest news with #tunnels
The Independent
4 days ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Discovery leads to fresh clue over cause of Surrey sinkhole
A network of underground Victorian tunnels has been discovered near a massive sinkhole that caused major disruption in Godstone, Surrey. The sinkhole, which opened on 17 February, led to the evacuation of more than 30 homes and grew up to 19 metres in length. Engineers investigating the site have confirmed the existence of abandoned sand mining tunnels, which 'may provide a clue' about the cause of the sinkhole. Local businesses report significant income loss due to the sinkhole, with one owner stating his income has been slashed to a third of what it once was. Surrey County Council aims to complete repairs by December, but the focus remains on ensuring the road is safe for use, with ongoing investigations to determine the exact cause of the collapse.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Climate
- The Independent
New clues over massive Surrey sinkhole after network of tunnels discovered near street
Months after a massive sinkhole sparked a major incident in Surrey, a network of underground Victorian tunnels have been discovered close to the site. Residents of quiet Surrey village of Godstone were told to 'get out as quickly as possible' after a huge crater swallowed a street overnight on February 17. More than 30 homes were evacuated as the sinkhole grew to up 19 metres in length, before a second one opened up days later. Engineers working to repair the hole have now confirmed the discovery of abandoned sand mining tunnels around the site, which may 'provide a clue' into what caused the havoc. Lloyd Allen, infrastructure manager at Surrey County Council, told the BBC: "Currently, we're investigating the Victorian tunnels, plotting them to see the extent of them and where they go. "We'll likely be finished by the early part of December, but there's a lot of reconnecting services and redoing water mains, gas mains and electric cables." He told the broadcaster that the discovery of the eight-metre deep tunnels "puts one of the pieces into place' over why the hole opened up, but added there were 'several scenarios that could have happened that led to this collapse". In February, an expert suggested the incident could be related to the collapse of a nearby abandoned sand mine. Andrew Farrant, the British Geological Survey (BGS) regional geologist for southeast England, said how old maps of the area, published in 1872, appeared to show an entrance to a sand mine very close to the crater. 'It is possible other unrecorded sand mines occurred in this area,' Farrant said. 'It is also possible that a leaking pipe has weakened the rock and led to the failure of a putative mine, assuming it exists and extended under the road. Equally, it is possible that gradual failure of a mine roof caused the water main to fail, triggering further subsidence.' While engineers say they hope the repairs to be finished by December, local businesses told the BBC they have been 'left in the dark' over the repair plans. One businesses owner said his income had been slashed to a third of what it once was due to the sinkhole. "They said they would keep us up to date, but this hasn't happened," Shane Fry, who runs DD Services, a garage on the high street said. "We need to know. It will benefit everyone in the area." Will McLean, the owner of a residential windows and doors company described how the sinkhole had 'reduced footfall to virtually zero'. "Financially it has been massive,' he said."In terms of business, we are down 60% to 70%, which is huge - devastating in fact." Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member Highways, Transport and Economic Growth at Surrey County Council, said, 'This continues to be a highly complex incident involving a number of investigations led by our Highways Officers and other agencies, including specialist teams and utility companies. 'We are continuing to update local residents and businesses as we progress through each stage of the process. We're also looking at how we can minimise the impact on local businesses while the necessary road closures are in place. 'Thorough investigations need to continue to understand the cause of the collapse and subsequently how we fully and effectively repair the area. We hope to have the road re-opened during December this year, but our focus will be on ensuring the road is safe to use so the exact date will be confirmed once we are fully assured of this.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
29-05-2025
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Israeli Military Says It Demolished a Long Attack Tunnel in Southern Gaza
The Israeli military says troops recently located and destroyed an attack tunnel stretching several hundred meters (yards) in the southern Gaza Strip. It said the tunnel was found in a self-declared security zone, apparently referring to the now mostly evacuated southern city of Rafah, which Israeli forces have severed from the rest of the territory. The army said the tunnel had several exits, some rigged with explosives. It said fighters emerged from one of the shafts during the operation and were killed. Hamas built hundreds of miles (kilometers) of tunnels beneath Gaza in the years leading up to the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war. Its fighters use them to shelter from Israeli airstrikes and move around undetected. Hamas has also held hostages in the tunnels.
The National
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Netanyahu appears in tunnel under revered Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem
Israeli Prime Minister sparks criticism by visiting tunnels controversially dug under the place of worship, as he spoke of attempts to free hostages
National Post
22-05-2025
- Politics
- National Post
Hidden tunnels and historic landmarks shine a light on Vietnam's painful past
Article content 'We placed land mines, bamboo traps, booby traps, everywhere, outside and also inside tunnels, to stop our enemy. We also built very low, narrow tunnels, just only us at a time could go through. Very low, just about this (he said, gesturing to his knees). So we had to crawl through the tunnel. It was all very well connected.' Article content Article content But those tunnels were also targeted by American bombers and frequently destroyed. Van Chia was outside one in a trench when an enemy machine gun tore into his right arm and eye in 1967. He was 21 years old. Article content At the complex, there are displays of those booby traps, of a field hospital and bunkers where they built bombs. If that's not real enough, the constant blasting of M16s, AK47s, RPKs and RPD machine guns reverberates from the National Defence Sport Range, lending a chilling air of authenticity. Article content Despite the horrors he and others endured, Van Chia has hope for the future. Article content 'My wishes for now to the future, when young people meet, no matter where they are from – the United States or other countries – the Vietnamese people, when they meet, they will meet at the table having tea and discussing business, not about war,' said Van Chia. Article content This year, on April 30, Vietnam marked the end of the hostilities with the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon and reunification of North and South. During an early April trip, workers were constructing massive bleachers on the grounds of the Reunification Palace in preparation for official ceremonies. Events are planned across the country this year, with perhaps some of the most prestigious in Hanoi, the former seat of power for Ho Chi Minh and his Communist Party. Article content A visit to the presidential palace area in Hanoi is the best place to start to get an understanding of the very complicated history of Vietnam. The Americans were just one foe and the fight against them just one war fought here. Over the centuries, it was invaded by other nations like China and Japan. France ruled the south until the Viet Minh, led by Ho Chi Minh, revolted against colonial rule. Following eight years of war, an accord divided the country into the French-backed south and the communist north. Article content Revered as a leader, Ho Chi Minh's body is displayed in a mausoleum in the presidential palace area. A long line of thousands winds across the grounds before a brief walk past the glass box raised on a stone pedestal bathed in dim light and silence. You can also tour two of the houses where he lived from 1954 onward, and see a display of the Bentley and other official cars he used when meeting leaders and dignitaries. Article content In Saigon, many of the wartime landmarks remain but have new, more peaceful uses. Article content The Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, is considered to have occurred when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through the gates of Independence Palace, ending the war. Today, the palace is a museum, and the beautifully manicured grounds are a popular tourist attraction. Article content Another former landmark is now impossible to distinguish from other buildings unless it's pointed out. A famous photo taken on April 29, 1975, shows U.S. government officials evacuating by climbing a ladder to a helicopter on a roof. Today, it is an apartment building. Article content Article content Visits to both cities help explain the story of Vietnam. Article content As Saigon, Hanoi and all other parts of the country mark the 50th anniversary of reunification, Van Chia reflected on that long-ago war. Article content 'We never forget what happened 50 years ago. That's when the war ended and the country was reunified. We remember what Ho Chi Minh said: 'Nothing is more precious than freedom and independence.' '
