OCALA, Fla. (WESH) — Several homes in Ocala were forced to evacuate Wednesday after at least four holes opened up nearby.

Shannon Cole initially thought someone had jumped into the pond behind his house, but when he stood on the hillside off his porch he saw more spouting, bubbling and swirling.

“There was like an explosion of water,” Cole said. “Well, we were standing at the edge of lake and I seen the bubbling water and we felt the ground get a little squishy so we got very alarmed and went to the top of the hill.”

Within 30 minutes at least 4 distinct holes had opened up where he had been standing with his family.

When Ocala Fire Rescue and Ocala Police arrived to the Fore Ranch Townhomes, they evacuated the units.

“To be cautious, the city is temporarily basically declaring the building unsafe and we’ve evacuated the residents from the building.” Sean Lanier, Ocala’s City Engineer said.

Residents are being told to stay out for at least a night until a geo-technical engeering company can take a look to make sure the homes are safe.

“It’s frightening that it could’ve been under my house, it could’ve swallowed my house,” Cole said.

Officials said the holes may be linked to an irrigation water main break.

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