Natural erosion, abetted by spotty maintenance of the cistern, has caused occasional collapses of the buildings above.

Over the years the structure deteriorated; undermining, stone bedding loss, natural erosion, harsh weather and lightning strikes all contributed to its dilapidation.

Setbacks also allowed the natural erosion to occur without compromising the structural integrity of the building.

Due to natural erosion, some of the bamboo slips were damaged and difficult to reinterpret.

Accretions are marked by the natural erosion of soil on one side of a watercourse and the gradual addition of soil to the other side.