Sinkholes form due to the natural process of water slowly eroding away at rocks, dirt, sand, or other material that’s under the surface of the earth. As the gound wears away, what’s on top (a road, dirt, or a building) eventually gives way to a sudden, unexpected collapse.
Sinkhole risks through the HazardHub API come in two flavors.
The first is known as non-man-made, sinkhole points. These are locations where earth-based sinkholes have formed and have been reported. The HazardHub API not only tells you the nearest sinkhole but also the number of known sinkhole points with 5 miles of a chosen location. We have data on reported sinkholes for 33 states.
The second is the ability of the ground to form sinkholes. In other words, how likely is the ground to support the formation of a sinkhole? HazardHub provides an indication of the soil to actually form a sinkhole.
Please note that your homeowner’s insurance policy may not cover sinkholes – if you live in a high-risk area, you should check with your insurance agent.
