Residents evacuated, given aid after surface disruption in Tianjin

Relief subsidies and other measures have been taken to aid people evacuated due to the surface subsidence in Jinnan district of Tianjin, according to China Central Television, the state broadcaster, on Saturday.

On May 31, some swelling and cracks suddenly appeared on roads in Balitai township, causing cracks in some buildings nearby. People in the vicinity were evacuated soon afterwords.

From May 31 to June 2, land depression was developing at a rapid pace. After grouting, the subsidence has slowed, and the area is now in relatively stable condition. Even though there might be some changes, the situation is controllable, an expert told CCTV.

As for the cause of the depression, there might have been a cavity 1,300 meters underground. However, other reasons including the constructing of geothermal wells have not been ruled out, according to experts and professionals deployed to examine the affected buildings and roads.

Monitoring will be reinforced to avoid secondary damages, the expert said, adding more technologies will be used to for future solutions.

Each household will be granted a one-time 5,000 yuan ($702) relief subsidy, and 20 yuan per square meter per month will also be given to each affected residence at least through Dec 31. This might be prolonged, depending on circumstances then. Rental houses with reduced or no agency fee have also been made available for affected families.