Kabankalan CDRRMO to monitor sinkholes after mild quake

Authorities are verifying reports that there are several sinkholes in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.  

Last May, residents discovered a sinkhole in a portion of a sugarcane field just beside the road in Barangay Tagucon in Kabankalan City.

Following the magnitude 3.4 earthquake in nearby Mabinay town in Negros Oriental Sunday noon, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) staff member Engr. Judson Cabalatungan noted that the sinkhole now has a depth of 13 feet and width of almost 15 feet.

Cabalatungan said the epicenter of the earthquake is only 18 kilometers away from Tagucon.

"We noticed that there is no water inside thus, there is a possibility that it subsides to a deeper portion of the sinkhole," he said, adding that "this is something to watch over for especially if there are movements on the ground."

The sinkhole was fenced and residents were advised to avoid the area.

Cabalatungan also said they are coordinating with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to check the claim of some residents that there are still more than 20 other sinkholes in the area.

The CDRRMO, for its part, will conduct a thorough survey and mapping operation, he said.

"Once confirmed, we will recommend to the city government to fill the holes if needed to prevent possible occurrence of landslides," Cabalatungan added.

Kabankalan CDRRMO Photos: The sinkhole at Barangay Tagucon in Kabankalan City was noted to become deeper and wider following a magnitude 3.4 earthquake in nearby Mabinay town, Negros Oriental Sunday. — BAP, GMA News