BEIJING- Multiple high-rise apartment buildings in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin have seen the evacuation of thousands of residents in recent days.
This action was prompted by land collapses that created substantial cracks on nearby streets, as reported by state media and the local government.
The affected area is located in Tianjin's Jinnan district, where roads adjacent to a residential complex displayed large fissures.
Geological experts have suggested that these cracks may be the result of underground cavities, believed to be situated at a depth of 1,300 meters (4,270 feet).
The Tianjin government shared this information on social media, raising concerns about the safety of the affected structures.
In recent days, thousands of residents have been evacuated from high-rise apartment buildings in Tianjin, China, following the appearance of large cracks on nearby streets caused by land collapses. The local government and state media have reported on this development.
The affected area is located in Tianjin's Jinnan district, where geological experts have indicated that underground cavities below a depth of 1,300 meters (4,270 feet) are likely responsible for the fissures.
According to the district government, as of June 3, approximately 3,899 residents from at least three 25-story buildings have been relocated to nearby hotels.
The Tianjin government has referred to the incident as a "sudden geological disaster" based on preliminary information gathered from geological experts and various government departments conducting surveys, mapping, and monitoring at the site.
Experts at the Tianjin government municipal headquarters have remarked that the situation is highly unusual.
The Tianjin government has acknowledged the possibility that the drilling of geothermal wells might have contributed to soil loss and land subsidence in the affected area.
Experts have noted that the high-rise buildings facing the street have experienced varying degrees of impact.
Social media photos have depicted buckled and warped roads, as well as instances of building wall tile collapse.
This incident raises further concerns about building safety in China, prompting the government to implement stricter rules and policies and impose severe penalties for inadequate property management.
Moreover, the Chinese government has recently held several high-level meetings focused on geological and hidden disaster preparedness.