DOZENS of families have had to be evacuated from their estate after a 50ft sinkhole opened up in the road.
The vast crater caved in just feet from one home’s front door in the wake of Storm Bert.
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Around 30 homes have been cleared out in Merthyr, South Wales today due to the hole.
The area had only just recovered from the devastation of Storm Bert, which brought 75mph winds and widespread flooding.
But it has since seen more heavy rain, which may have contributed to the loosening of the earth beneath the road.
Images from the scene show the cavernous hole extending from almost the centre of a residential road, all the way across the pavement and across about half of where one homeowner’s driveway used to be.
It reaches about 50ft across and looks to be in excess of 20ft deep.
The entire area has been cordoned off while council workers ensure that the area is safe and that the whole isn’t set to grow.
Fortunately, there are no reports on any injuries.
Local councillor David Hughes told the BBC that a culvert had completely collapsed.
Residents have been cleared out and the public is being urged to avoid the area.
It is unclear when they will be allowed back into their homes.
A spokesperson for the council said: “No further help or support is needed at this time but thank you to everyone who has offered it.
“Safety is our main priority.
“To allow engineers to keep working safely, please stay away from the area.”
South Wales Police added: “We are dealing with a incident on Nant Morlais, Pant, Merthyr.
“The road is currently closed in both directions.
“Please avoid the area.”
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