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Climate change causes huge sinkholes: regions threatened worldwide!
Bangkok faces increasing sinkholes and declining groundwater levels due to the climate crisis. Learn more.
Climate change causes huge sinkholes: regions threatened worldwide!
In Bangkok, where urbanity meets nature, citizens are increasingly concerned about the consequences of climate change. A frightening example occurred in September 2025: the ground in front of a hospital collapsed, forming a 30-meter-wide hole. Such incidents are not only on the rise in this country, but also worldwide fr.de reported. Wherever there are karst landscapes and water-soluble rocks, the risk of sinkholes, also known as sinkholes, has increased.
The causes of these dangerous developments are diverse. Extreme weather events, which are exacerbated by climate change, play a significant role. Violent storms and intense rainfall are now reaching new dimensions, while at the same time droughts are significantly reducing the groundwater level. Professor Hong Yang from the University of Reading highlights that up to 20 percent of the area in the USA - especially in states such as Florida and Texas - is affected by this threat. The condition is not just limited to North America; Areas in Great Britain, Italy, China and Turkey are also affected.
Climate change and its effects
A major problem associated with climate change is the unregulated sealing of areas. When it rains heavily, the ground can no longer absorb the water, leading to flash floods. This graphic shows the challenges:
| problem | Follow |
|---|---|
| Sealing of surfaces | Flash floods, rising water levels, flooding |
| Combined sewer systems overloaded | Overflows, pollution of water bodies |
| Declining water quality | Bathing bans, health risks |
The sealing means that rainwater can no longer seep into the ground. Instead, it is often discharged into untreated combined sewers, which not only pollutes natural watercourses but also endangers people's health. In Bangkok, too, the situation is made more difficult by growing urbanization, as there is a lack of green spaces that could store and delay water. Where is nature, you ask?
Preventive measures and solutions
The problem of sinkholes and declining water quality requires comprehensive measures. Scientists rely on modern technologies such as satellite remote sensing and ground radar to detect cavities at an early stage. If a hole is discovered, it can be filled with cement to prevent further damage. For example, in Turkey, various projects are used to regulate groundwater use and irrigation to ensure soil stability. Such strategies are also needed in Bangkok to protect the city from further natural disasters, like this one dw.com reported.
The reality is clear: climate change is already having massive consequences for our environment. In this respect, now is the time not just to talk, but to take active action. The challenges are great, but with a good plan and a pinch of hope for better times, a solution can be found together.