HAVERHILL, Mass. — Nearly a week after severe weather created a massive sinkhole and prompted Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini to declare a state of emergency, more than 20 residents remain displaced.
On Monday, Fiorentini’s office announced that the sinkhole had been “back-filled and stabilized,” but the five-unit apartment building nearby will remain inaccessible until Wednesday. Then, city inspectors and engineers will be able to make a final determination of when residents will be allowed back.
The city is paying for the residents of the building to stay at a hotel and covering their meals until they are able to return to their homes.
Last Thursday, Fiorentini declared a state of emergency to pursue financial assistance from the state and federal government. As of Monday, a total of 32 residences and 3 businesses had submitted claims for potential emergency assistance funds.
Mayor Fiorentini is expected to ask the city council to sign off on a state of emergency declaration during Tuesday night’s city meeting.
Anyone that sustained damages is being asked to fill out a claim by Thursday. Information on how to do so can be found on the city’s website.
“There are no guarantees of monetary assistance but if we are to have any chance we need to reach certain damage thresholds,” Fiorentini’s office said in a Facebook post.
Mayor Fiorentini said the large sink hole, roughly 20 feet deep and 20 feet wide, tore open a large old brick sewer pipe near Washington and Ford streets causing upward of $1 million in damages.
By Monday, workers had completed a temporary wastewater bypass.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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