Sinkhole damages home in Fraser City, Michigan. The small town was in full alert mode on Dec. 24, Saturday, as 22 families were evacuated from their homes in the 15 Mile Road after a sinkhole appeared.

Mayor Joe Nichols declared a State of Emergency and he warned the residents not to return to their homes in Eberlein Drive which could collapse at any moment.

Sinkhole Damages Home

After the initial reports of the incident, 22 families were displayed but one home has been declared to be totally inhabitable. Sue Albu's home has been declared as a total loss and forced 21 other families to seek temporary shelter for the next two to three weeks.

The latest reports reveal that it is likely that the sewer line which has not been inspected for about 10 years, collapsed. The State of Emergency declaration revealed that the sewer line located 45 feet under the surface. The sinkhole that formed is 100-feet-by-250

Authorities allowed the residents to retrieve items from their homes, although they will not be allowed to return until the area has been fully secured. Three homes, including the Albu's residence, will remain off limits for an indefinite amount of time. 

Why Sinkholes Happen

Sinkholes are extremely dangerous and anyone can be pulled 60 feet underground, making it necessary to expedite evacuation. The authorities are exerting the necessary effort to make the area accessible, but there is the cause of the sinkhole remains to be unknown.

In a report by WZZM13, residents suggested that there was a problem with the pipes. This is not the first time that a sinkhole appeared in the town. Back in 2004, a sinkhole also appeared in 15 Mile Road, which took 10 months to repair. As noted by Click on Detroit, it has been 10 years since the sewer line running underneath the affected homes were inspected.

Sinkhole damages home in Fraser City but fortunately no one was injured and authorities reassure residents that the necessary precautions will be observed to ensure everyone's safety.