China: Cave-ins create hundreds of holes in Hunan Province

Feb 26, 2012

Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2012 shows a big hole formed during the land sink in Yuejiaqiao Town, Yiyang City of central China's Hunan Province. (Xinhua/Long Hongtao)

Since Jan 1, 2012, karst cave-ins have occurred in many places of Yuejiaqiao Town, Yiyang City of central China's Hunan Province. Yiyang city has seen 693 karst cave-ins, including 537 in farmland and 150 in rivers. The geological disaster has damaged 167 houses and affected more than 1,200 local people.

Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2012 shows the water of a river running into a hole formed during the land sink in Yuejiaqiao Town, Yiyang City of central China's Hunan Province. (Xinhua/Long Hongtao)
Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2012 shows the water of a river running into a hole formed during the land sink in Yuejiaqiao Town, Yiyang City of central China's Hunan Province. (Xinhua/Long Hongtao)

Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2012 shows cracks on the wall of a house due to the land sink in Yuejiaqiao Town, Yiyang City of central China's Hunan Province. (Xinhua/Long Hongtao)

A man passes by a sign warning people not to enter after the land sink in Yuejiaqiao Town, Yiyang City of central China's Hunan Province, Feb. 26, 2012. (Xinhua/Long Hongtao)