Two new sinkholes found in southern Cebu after Seniang

CEBU, Philippines - Authorities have confirmed that two new sinkholes have been discovered in southern Cebu following tropical cyclone Seniang.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 spokesperson Eddie Llamedo yesterday said the new ones were formed in Badian and Alcantara towns.

“Alcantara is new. The other one in Badian is also new. Meaning, there are three sinkholes now in south Cebu. Two in Badian, newly-developed after Seniang and other one is pre-existing,” Llamedo said.

The existing sinkhole in Badian is also reportedly increasing in size since it was discovered in 2014.

“Its last recorded diameter was more than 15 meters two weeks ago. From six meters on its first discovery. This means that the sinkhole continues to widen thus unstable. We say unstable because the size continues to increase and thus unsafe. We still urge our LGUs to monitor the affected site while we are awaiting for the ground penetrating radar (GPR) to arrive within this month. The Badian sinkhole will be prioritized for mapping,” Llamedo said.

The GPR mapping, Llamedo added, provides a better appreciation on the exact size of sinkholes including the Kinatarcan islet sinkholes off Bantayan islands.

In the meantime, an inspection team of geologists from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) will be sent Monday to check on the sinkholes and provide the latest update.

Shortly before tropical Seniang struck, DENR sent an advisory to Badian here a sinkhole was earlier spotted.

“We sent a geohazard threat advisory last December 29 to the mayor of Badian and the south Cebu mayors to revisit the geohazards threat advisory issued to them. Sinkholes developed due to excessive rains which will result to the collapse of the crown. We advised anew our communities living near the sinkholes to be vigilant,” he said.

The one in Cabadiangan, Alcantara was attributed to heavy rains.

“The type of soil there (Alcantara) is highly weathered and fractured. It means when it contacts with water, it easily saturates. We advised to keep the 20 to 30-meter radius free from residents,” Llamedo added.

The new sinkhole in Badian measured 20 feet wide by 10 feet deep and located in Purok 3, Barangay Mandoyong, Badian.

The new sinkholes have already been cordoned and are being monitored. —JMO  (FREEMAN)