70 sinkholes appear after 6.9-quake in northern Cebu

Local

NORTHERN Cebu’s landscape continues to change weeks after the magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

This as geologists confirmed the presence of at least 70 sinkholes across several northern towns and cities affected by the Sept. 30 tremor.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Central Visayas (MGB-7) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported that the sinkholes were identified after ground validations.

Supervising Geologist Josephine Aleta said San Remigio recorded the highest number with 40 sinkholes, followed by Bogo City with 16, Daanbantayan with eight, Medellin and Tuburan with two each, and Sogod and Tabuelan with one each.

Geologists attributed the formation of sinkholes to extreme ground shaking during the earthquake and to the limestone-rich soil in the affected areas, which is prone to collapse.

The bureau said continuing aftershocks have worsened ground instability and contributed to the appearance of new depressions.

Aleta said an MGB team equipped with ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been deployed to inspect schools, evacuation sites, and residential zones near identified sinkholes.

The team’s initial assessment found that evacuation areas remain stable but require constant monitoring to ensure safety.

“So far, tent cities are safe from sinkholes,” Aleta said.

The MGB advised residents to stay clear of identified sinkholes and avoid backfilling or dumping waste into them, warning that such actions could cause water ponding, contamination, or further ground collapse.

In Bogo City, field teams found a small sinkhole near an evacuation site and recommended moving tents farther away as a precaution.

The bureau also discovered sinkholes along coastal areas and urged local governments to cordon off these locations to prevent swimming and water contamination.

The number of aftershocks following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Bogo City increased to 12,079 as of Tuesday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In its 8 a.m. update, Phivolcs said 46 of these aftershocks were felt, ranging from magnitude 1.0 to 5.8.

Phivolcs Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol reminded residents to remain cautious and to consult experts before returning to damaged homes.

MGB-7 said it continues to monitor ground activity, warning that further tremors could still trigger new sinkholes or expand existing ones.

The bureau urged local governments to secure danger zones, install barriers, and maintain evacuation protocols until full geohazard assessments are completed.

Meanwhile, Provincial Assistant Administrator Aldwin Empaces said the findings would guide rezoning and land reclassification in the affected municipalities to align with updated geohazard maps.

Displaced residents remain in tent cities and temporary roadside shelters while authorities determine which areas are safe for resettlement and long-term habitation.(MyTVCebu)