World Cup Sinkhole In Natal
A sinkhole opened and continues to grow in Natal. The sinkhole was caused by heavy rainfall earlier in the week. Pictured is a landslide which destroyed homes earlier in the week in the Mae Luiza neighborhood. Reuters

A sinkhole opened up in Natal, Brazil, just four miles away from a World Cup stadium. Favela residents have been evacuated and no deaths or injuries have been reported.

The sinkhole first appeared earlier in the week due to heavy rains, reports the BBC. Homes have been destroyed, with additional property damage expected as the sinkhole continues to grow. The sinkhole opened in a favela in Natal, located four miles from the Arena das Dunas stadium. The World Cup stadium has been host to three games: Mexico v. Cameroon on June 13; United States v. Ghana on June 16; Japan v. Greece on June 19, and will host Italy v. Uruguay on Tuesday.

An aide to Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff supervising relief efforts in Natal arrived on Friday, reports Associated Press. The sinkhole is near a busy road and nearly 150 families have been evacuated, notes AP. Relief efforts will be provided to the evacuated residents as officials evaluate a strategy for the sinkhole, stabilizing the soil and the surrounding area while repairing the drainage system, notes AP. Additional homes could be razed if the sinkhole continues to grow. The Geological Survey of Brazil is creating a report on the sinkhole, reports Tribuna do Norte. The report will estimate the overall cost as well as whether the destroyed homes can be rebuilt in the same location.

A video of the sinkhole, courtesy of Associated Press, can be viewed below.

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