‘Sudden ground collapse’ in Houston prompts evacuation of apartment building residents

Several residents evacuated their homes after a sudden “ground collapse” at an upscale condominium community in Houston Saturday afternoon, authorities said.

Houston Fire Department Capt. Beau Moreno said the collapse was caused by damage to an underground cistern that was holding floodwaters from recent heavy rains in the area.

No one was injured, but eight homes were evacuated as a precaution, department officials said in a July 27 post on X.

Firefighters responded to the scene at 405 Sutherland Terrace Place after a large section of the green space collapsed, exposing underground infrastructure and pipes.

Authorities have not released the depth of the hole. Photos uploaded to X by firefighters show the damage, which extends below ground level.

Building engineers went to the scene to assess the damage, authorities said.