What causes a sinkhole?

Sinkhole at Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur. - Jabatan Penerangan WPKL/Facebook

PETALING JAYA: The search and rescue operation for a 48-year-old woman who fell and disappeared into a sinkhole in Jalan Masjid India resumes today.

So far, authorities have recovered a pair of slippers believed to belong to the Indian national.

During the incident on Friday morning, the woman, who is visiting Malaysia, had been walking along the pavement when the 8m deep sinkhole suddenly appeared.

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But how do sinkholes come about and why do they suddenly appear?

Here's a brief explanation.

Sinkholes by candy