Residents in Sào Lâm village, Thanh Sơn commune, Ninh Binh province, are living in fear as three mysterious sinkholes, referred to as "death holes," have appeared without any clear explanation. The situation has worsened with recent heavy rainfall, leading to heightened anxiety among the villagers.

On August 19, Đinh Văn Hải, the head of Sào Lâm village, expressed concerns about the ongoing rain exacerbating the situation. He noted that while the sinkholes have not deepened or expanded, the villagers remain vigilant and prepared for any potential dangers. "Every time it rains, we worry more about the holes becoming deeper, threatening our lives and property," said Đinh Văn Sỹ, a local resident.

The sinkholes first appeared following prolonged periods of heavy rain on June 5 and July 6, threatening the homes and livelihoods of 11 families living nearby. The holes are located in areas such as gardens and roads, directly impacting the community's daily life. Some walls and structures near the sinkholes have begun to show signs of cracking, further alarming residents.

In response to the potential danger, the local government has cordoned off the area and erected warning signs. Đinh Ngọc Long, the Chairman of Thanh Sơn Commune, reported that no further deterioration has been observed, but a monitoring team has been established to keep a close watch on the situation. Despite the lack of conclusive findings regarding the cause of the sinkholes, the commune has requested assistance from provincial authorities to ensure the safety of the residents.

As heavy rainfall is expected to continue until August 21, the Ninh Binh provincial government has urged local departments and communities to take urgent measures to mitigate risks. The residents of Sào Lâm village are anxiously awaiting a thorough investigation and a definitive resolution to the sinkhole crisis, hoping for a swift response from the authorities to ensure their safety.