No-build zone declared around new Cebu sinkhole

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas has barred construction 100 meters around a newly discovered sinkhole in Cebu province, state-run Philippines News Agency reported Saturday.

PNA said the DENR Region 7 declared as a “no-build zone” the 100-meter radius around the sinkhole in Barangay Banhigan in Badian town.

Residents discovered the sinkhole amid heavy rain from Tropical Storm Queenie last Thursday.

Some of the residents said the sinkhole at Sitio Curvada appeared to be growing bigger and deeper, GMA Cebu's Chona Carreon reported on Friday.

Badian Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Adelberto Bruce said the sinkhole measured 11.5 meters in diameter as of Saturday.

It had an area of 210 square meters and a depth of six meters. But he said the sinkhole was only six meters in diameter when found Thursday.

Evacuation

So far, only one family within the 70-meter radius area has been told to evacuate, DENR-7 spokesman Dr. Eddie Llamedo said.

The PNA report quoted Badian Mayor Rubert Librando as saying it is possible there is a river system underneath the soil and the heavy rain from Queenie weakened the surface of the soil and caused it to liquefy. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News