Sinkhole reported in Taal

BATANGAS, Philippines — A 10-meter deep sinkhole has been reported in Barangay Apacay in Taal following continuous heavy rains.

Pepito Balbacal said the sinkhole was discovered near the gate of his house on Monday. He said ground cracks appeared in his property when Taal Volcano erupted in 2020.

Authorities have cordoned off the area to avoid any untoward incident.

Mayor Pong Mercado ordered the closure of the barangay road affected by the sinkhole.

He sought assistance from the Office of Civil Defense to survey and identify the houses that may be at risk.

Mercado said they are also waiting for the opinion of experts from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology and Mines and Geosciences Bureau.