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What is a sinkhole and how is it formed? Kuya Kim explains
A senior citizen’s home in Olongapo City was recently destroyed after the land it was built on collapsed.
The residents’ verdict? A sinkhole formed in the area.
What is a sinkhole?
Kuya Kim reported on "24 Oras," Thursday that a sinkhole is formed when the rocks underground erode or dissolve due to the impact of water.
Ricardo Santos and his daughter, Glorie Ann Nivera, said their house may have collapsed because of the presence of a sinkhole in the area.
Geoscientist Mar Christian Cruz explains the nature of sinkholes.
Sinkholes can also form when the roof of an underground cave collapses. This type of sinkhole is called a cenote.
Sinkholes tend to appear suddenly. Some of the signs that there is a sinkhole in an areas include the appearance of many cracks on the wall, in the street, or when the ground sinks.
In case a sinkhole appears in one’s area, the residents must evacuate immediately to a safe area and make sure to bring essential supplies such as food, water, medicine, and a first aid kit.
But the house did not collapse because of the presence of a sinkhole, according to the department head of Olongapo City Engineer's office, Engr. Roberto Alvarez.
He said that there was a deep well in the area and that the temporary cover was destroyed.
New Cabalan Barangay Captain Delbert Muega said the residents should leave the area and that they can stay at an evacuation center. -- Carby Basina/BAP, GMA Integrated News
