Road collapse after two large cracks mysteriously appeared in the village of Bissarieh in Lebanon.
© Daily Star LebanonRoad collapse after two large cracks mysteriously appeared in the village of Bissarieh in Lebanon.
Residents of Bissarieh, Lebanon are currently living in a state of panic and apprehension after landslides, ground shifting and deep fissures are threatening their homes.

Unexplained cracks in the roads leading to the village have emerged. Residents worry that some of the cracks threaten building foundations, leading to their sudden collapse. And again, the cause of the damage is unknown.

Toward the center of the neighborhood a large crater has already destroyed part of one
building. This large fissure (or sinkhole?) is more than a 100 meters wide and several meters deep.

Nothing similar has ever been witnessed in the region.
© Daily Star LebanonNothing similar has ever been witnessed in the region.
Two other fissures have destroyed the main road. On either side of the fissures the earth has shifted, threatening the foundations of around 10 nearby buildings.

Cracks opened up in a loud noise that scared residents. Some hid in their closet at home. Many families have been evacuated.

Officials are now investigating the cause of this mysterious geological phenomenon. Engineers suspect a sudden upwelling of subterranean springs resulting in a shift in the soil.

Families affected by landslides in the southern village of Bissarieh will immediately be given compensation to seek alternative shelter.

A state of emergency will probably be declared in the area.

A state of emergency has been declared for the village and surrounding area.
© Daily Star LebanonA state of emergency has been declared for the village and surrounding area.