South Ga. officials expecting sinkholes after rain

ALBANY, Ga. (AP) -- Engineers and public works officials in south Georgia say recent rains could lead to sinkholes forming in the area.

Michael McNeal, a local engineer, said Dougherty County residents should expect sinkholes in the region in the coming weeks since the soil sits atop limestone - which deteriorates and collapses after heavy rain saturates it.

Albany Public Works Sewer Superintendent Ann Zimmer-Shepherd says the city has received several calls from residents nervous about the stability of their homes after a sinkhole formed beneath a Florida man's house and killed him when he - and his bedroom - were sucked beneath the house.

McNeal says there is no need to panic, and sinkholes in south Georgia are typically not that deep.

 

Associated Press