Will the ground sinkhole happen again?

Lianhe Zaobao, 地陷，会再现吗？

(Translated title and summary)

Following the dramatic sinkhole incident along Tanjong Katong Road, concerns have mounted over ground safety in Singapore. Experts interviewed by Lianhe Zaobao explained that most sinkholes here are linked to underground works — though not necessarily deep ones — and that factors such as ageing infrastructure, construction activity, and climate-related shifts like alternating droughts and downpours can increase the risk. Areas such as the East Coast and city centre are particularly vulnerable due to softer soil or reclaimed land.

SUTD President and geotechnical engineering expert Professor Phoon Kok Kwang emphasised that water is a key trigger for sinkholes — without it, soft soil movement alone is unlikely to compromise structural integrity. He noted that sinkholes can form either rapidly or gradually, sometimes beyond the detection range of current monitoring systems, and their severity is not always proportional to the scale of tunnelling works. A sudden increase in water flow, such as from a burst pipe, can dramatically accelerate erosion even in small-scale projects.

While warning signs like cracks or vibrations may appear, sinkholes can still develop without visible precursors, especially in dense urban areas. Experts advise immediate evacuation if such signs occur and call for more advanced, multi-layered monitoring systems — integrating ground sensors, satellite data, and AI — to improve early detection and response.