MANILA, Philippines - The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Friday directed the Philippine National Philippines to cordon off the reported sinkholes which formed along the coastlines in Bohol after the major quake that hit Central Visayas.
The NDRRMC made the order following reports that several sinkholes appeared in the affected regions.
The PNP earlier reported that people had sought assistance from local police after spotting several sinkholes in their respective areas.
During the briefing at the NDRRMC office in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, geologist Liza Manzano of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources also advised the public to refrain from ingesting the yellow substance coming from the sinkholes.
She said that the yellow substance, probably phosphate, could result in the thickening of the teeth and bones in humans if ingested continuously.
She also noted that phosphate dissolve in the water could lessen the oxygen content, resulting in a fishkill. The PNP also reported earlier that there have been fishkills along the coast of Bohol.
Manzano said that the sinkholes could be hazardous especially during heavy rains since it would dissolve the limestone which make up 85 percent of Bohol.
"Mas delikado yan (sinkholes) kasi puwedeng bumagsak yan any time...at hindi natin alam kung gaano ang depth nyan," she said.