Locals were left stunned by a giant sinkhole that opened in a rice field in Indonesia.

The vast cavity, measuring around 49ft deep, appeared in Lima Puluh Kota Regency, West Sumatra, on Sunday.

Footage shows villagers gathered around in Jorong Tepi, Nagari Situjuah Batua, looking on in confusion as the earth had seemingly swallowed part of the field.

Salim, the head of Jorong Tepi, said the collapse was preceded by a loud rumbling that drew the attention of nearby residents.

One local said: 'I heard a thundering sound, it was so loud and terrifying. I thought a large object had fallen into the field. When I went to check, I saw the gap and alerted my neighbours.'

Authorities reported that following the initial collapse, the surrounding ground also gave way, enlarging the depression.

A spokesman for the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) said: 'The impact of this incident damaged two rice fields covering approximately 0.25 hectares, belonging to Mr Irsal, SH, MH Dt. Rajo Pobo, as well as one irrigation network unit.'

Experts say sinkholes occur when the ground beneath the surface collapses, either due to natural processes or human activity. They can vary from small depressions to large caverns, often causing serious damage.