'I live in constant fear': surge in giant sinkholes threatens Turkey's farmers

Falling groundwater, extreme heat and water-intensive farming are accelerating land collapse, forcing a rethink in agricultural practicesFatih Sik was drinking tea with friends at home when he heard a rumbling sound outside that grew to a loud boom, like a volcano had erupted nearby. From the window, he saw water and mud shoot into the sky, as high as the tallest trees, less than 100 metres away.The 47-year-old knew what it was, because it is common in Karap?nar, Konya, a vast agricultural province known as Turkey's breadbasket. A giant sinkhole had opened up on his land. Fifty metres wide and 40 metres deep, it had appeared almost a year to the day after a previous one had formed. It was August - the hottest month of the year. Continue reading...