Sinkhole in Bogo City prompts safety concerns; authorities investigate cause

Residents of Bogo City in Cebu were alarmed after a large sinkhole suddenly formed in a vacant lot in Barangay Sitio Lib-og early Thursday morning.

According to Kuya Kim’s report in “24 Oras” Friday, a loud crashing sound awoke residents, who later discovered that a portion of the ground had collapsed.

A sinkhole estimated to be around 15 meters wide was formed. Its depth however has yet to be determined.

Several coconut trees reportedly fell into the sinkhole following the ground collapse.

“I did not expect the sinkhole to be that deep, and the ground is still continuously collapsing. It feels like an aftershock,” resident Fritz Ermac said.

Authorities have since restricted residents from approaching the area amid concerns that the surrounding soil could continue to give way.

“There are barangay watchmen also guarding the area and prohibiting anyone from entering. No one was hurt, and it is safe here,” Ermac said.

The houses surrounding the sinkhole are also being monitored within a 10-meter danger zone.

“We really have to think about the safety of the people. We are closely monitoring it because the ground is still continuously collapsing. If [the sink hole] continues to expand, we will evacuate them from the area,” Bogo CDRRMO Operation and Warning Officer Glenn Ursal said.

Authorities are investigating what caused the ground to collapse.

“We will submit a report to the MGB so they can come here and assist us and assess the situation. For now, it is still under investigation,” Ursal said.

According to Kuya Kim, some sink holes develop gradually underground before the surface eventually collapses.

One common natural cause groundwater, dissolving rocks such as limestone, creating cavities beneath the surface that may eventually cause the ground above to collapse.

Human activities, like excessive groundwater extraction, mining, drainage problems and damaged pipes may also contribute to sinkhole formation.

Regardless of a sinkhole's cause, authorities advise the public to prioritize safety when one is spotted.

Residents should keep a safe distance, avoid entering or approaching the sinkhole, and immediately report it to local authorities. Areas surrounding a newly formed sinkhole may remain unstable, making further collapse possible even after the initial incident. — Jade Veronique Yap/LA, GMA News