UNITED KINGDOM – Homes have been evacuated after a sinkhole opened up on a housing estate. Local councillor David Hughes said it was believed a culvert had collapsed, creating a big hole at Nant Morlais, in Pant, Merthyr Tydfil. South Wales Police, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Merthyr Tydfil council confirmed they were alerted on Sunday morning. Mr Hughes said residents of Nant Morlais – about 30 homes – have been evacuated. The cul-de-sac has been closed and people are being advised to avoid the area. More rain fell overnight, just days after Storm Bert caused flooding across Wales, along with a coal- tip landslide and sinkhole at Cwmtillery, Blaenau Gwent. Merthyr Tydfil council said its staff were working with agencies at Pant and “no further help or support is needed at this time”.

“Thank you to everyone who has offered it,” a spokesperson said. They said safety was the main priority and advised people to stay away from the area. (BBC)

Photo: The sinkhole opened up following heavy rain during Storm Bert and again in recent days.