A crack in the wall of the home of Jagtar Singh in Lakeport, Calif. Shortly after Singh moved his wife, 4-year-old daughter and his parents, the hill behind his home collapsed.

Associated Press

Randall Fitzgerald checks a fissure Monday that has opened in a lot near his home in the Lakeside Heights subdivision in Lakeport, Calif. Fitzgerald, who bought his home a year ago, has seen several of his neighbors move away as the sinking ground threatens the collapse of their homes.

Associated Press

Janice and Mike Kropa walk Monday past the empty homes of their neighbors who were forced to vacate as the ground beneath their houses began giving way in the Lakeside Heights subdivision in Lakeport, Calif.

Associated Press