Louisiana reassures public as sinkhole video goes viral

Louisiana authorities have moved to assure the public that dramatic footage showing a sinkhole swallowing several large trees was not a "new threat to public safety" in the area.

The footage has received almost 3 million views since it was posted on YouTube on Wednesday by the office of homeland security and emergency preparedness in the parish of Assumption near Baton Rouge. It shows trees being swallowed in seconds in a swamp at Bayou Corne.

Yesterday the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources said the sinkhole was growing due to a the space created by the failed underground saltdome operation by Texas Brine company. However he said the growth of this sinkhole, first discovered in the area last year, had been expected.

"I can certainly understand the concerns of those who saw the slough footage released Wednesday who may be seeing the sinkhole movement for the first time," department secretary Stephen Chustz said.

“These movements do not present a new threat to public safety,” Mr Chustz said.

The state had dedicated “all possible” resources to maintain safety and it would continue efforts to “accountable for the impact of its failed cavern, to keep the public safe during the response and to do all that we can to provide for the future safety of the public and the environment”, he said.

“We are committed to that effort until the best available science confirms that the community is once again safe,” he said.

The sinkhole was first discovered by authorities last year when a strong diesel smell was noticed in the area.