NJ Family’s Summer Fun Interrupted By SINKHOLE In Front Yard

New Jersey has seen its fair share of natural disasters over the years. The scariest that comes to mind is, of course, Hurricane Sandy. It swept up the coastline in 2012 damaging so many homes in its path. Residents of the shore towns weren't even the only ones impacted by that storm. There was significant damage all the way out in the Philly suburbs of South Jersey, too.

It was a devastating time for the Garden State, that's for sure.

Get our free mobile app

Let's not forget about the tornado that ripped through sections of Gloucester and Salem counties back in 2021. It destroyed homes and businesses throughout multiple towns including Mullica Hill and Deptford.

Tons of victims were interviewed about their experiences.

It's likely we'll always hear about HUGE natural disasters like tornadoes, storms, etc. What about the ones that don't get a lot of news coverage? Sometimes, people's homes sustain significant damage from a freak accident or random event and we never hear about those details.

What we are starting to hear about more and more, though, here in the Garden State, are sinkholes. They're popping up all over the place. More often than I'd like to hear about, too. A family in Fair Lawn now understands all too well the fear that sets in once you realize your front yard might disappear into the earth. LOOK:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jersey Talks (@jerseytalks)

I have SO MANY questions...

How does a sinkhole form?

According to National Geographic, it's all about water dissolving surface rock. sinkhole usually occurs due to interaction between soluble bedrock, altered drainage patterns, fluctuating groundwater levels, and human activities. The gradual erosion of soluble rock by acidic groundwater combined with the impacts of urbanization and environmental changes creates conditions ripe for sinkhole development.

How to prevent a sinkhole from forming?

Understanding several different factors could prevent your yard from every seeing a sinkhole. Effective water management is crucial in preventing sinkholes. Ensure that your yard has proper drainage to redirect water away from your home’s foundation and any potential sinkhole-prone areas. Avoid placing excessive weight or heavy structures in areas of your yard that might be susceptible to sinkholes. Ensure that underground utilities such as water and sewage lines are well-maintained and leak-free.

Thank goodness, nobody was hurt from this one. Obviously, if someone was playing on that splashpad at the time, the situation might have had a different ending.

Do you know anyone who's experienced a sinkhole before? Let us know on the app.