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Sinkhole could take weeks to fix

Repairs could take "several weeks, possibly a month" at the giant sinkhole created by a water main break in Southwest Center City, said city Water Department spokesman John DiGiulio.

Repairs could take "several weeks, possibly a month" at the giant sinkhole created by a water main break in Southwest Center City, said city Water Department spokesman John DiGiulio.

The trouble began Sunday evening, when neighbors near 21st and Bainbridge saw water spraying from manholes, then gushing into the streets, in places becoming two or three feet deep. Residents fled their homes on several blocks, and some people even had to be rescued by boat.

At least 70 homes sustained damage, water department inspectors have found, DiGiulio said.

Although the major leak was under control by about 1:30 Monday morning, Water Department crews weren't expected to begin their tasks - removing busted asphalt and other debris, and replacing a section of shattered 48-inch main - until Wednesday morning.

First, work was suspended Monday morning because of leaking gas line in the hole.

Then PECO began shutting down underground cables and rerouting electrical service in the area.

That work was just being wrapped up Tuesday afternoon, DiGiulio said.

Once that the Water Department's work is finished, gas lines will be addressed.

"I think Verizon has to get in there as well," before the Streets Department can start filling in the hole and paving it over, DiGiulio said.

Over the last two days, Water Department claims adjusters have been sweeping the area, cataloging damaged possessions and properties. About 70 such reports had been logged as of Tuesday afternoon, and the number could grow as the inspectors continue their work Wednesday and possibly longer.

Once the damage has been witnessed, water department crews also help homeowners with cleanup, including pumping water from basements.

Anyone who has uninspected damage, should leave it alone or photograph it, and call the water department at 215-685-6300, DiGiulio said.

Serious structural problems that might make a home unsafe should be reported to Licenses & Inspections by calling the city's 311 hotline, said spokeswoman Maura Kennedy.

Be prepared to explain the problem, and leave a name and number so an inspection appointment could be scheduled, she said.

The homes closest to the sinkhole were vacated, primarily because of all the work being done, according to DiGiulio.

Licenses & Inspections had not received reports any homes sustained collapse-threatening problems, Kennedy said.