A mysterious moment captured from the sky

The Artificial Sinkhole That Appeared in Guatemala City

When you hear the term “sinkhole,” you probably picture a terrifying event caused by nature. But in reality, they can be caused by artificial factors as well as natural ones. In 2010, this massive sinkhole suddenly appeared in a residential area of Guatemala City, large enough to swallow an entire building. According to investigations, it was likely caused by burst sewage and stormwater pipes, making it a disaster triggered by human mismanagement.

This sinkhole is estimated to be about 18 meters wide and 100 meters deep. Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Agatha triggered the collapse of the easily eroded ground made of volcanic pumice. While not strictly a natural sinkhole, the footage captured by drones of the spectacular scene is astonishing. This photo offers a glimpse into the unexpected consequences of the interaction between nature and humans.