More sinkholes appear in San Remigion; 1,000 residents affected

Local

MONTHS after the 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck, the town of San Remigio in northern Cebu continues to confront a growing number of sinkholes, with local officials warning that the total in the town alone could exceed 100.

Mayor Mariano Martinez disclosed on Thursday, Nov. 27, that local experts have so far documented about 60 sinkholes in San Remigio. He noted that many more may exist in residential areas and barangays away from main roads, highlighting that some sinkholes are hidden in inner parts of communities and are not immediately visible.

Martinez explained that smaller sinkholes have expanded due to continuous tremors, while larger ones have grown even bigger, and previously unidentified formations are now being accounted for in official surveys.

The mayor emphasized that the problem is not limited to open spaces or roadsides, as a significant number of sinkholes are located within residential neighborhoods.

He said that some houses are now considered unsafe for habitation, prompting authorities to classify these areas as no-build zones.

Around 200 to 250 families, or roughly 1,000 residents, are affected by the sinkholes, Martinez added.

Regarding relocation sites, the mayor said that previously established “smart houses” intended for affected residents have been destroyed by the sinkholes.

Temporary shelters, including tents, have also suffered partial damage, further complicating evacuation and resettlement efforts.

He explained that the local government is actively identifying new relocation areas for residents living on fault lines or near sinkholes, balancing safety concerns with the desire of families to remain close to their homes and livelihoods.

Martinez noted that residents are slowly returning to their homes as fear of ongoing tremors diminishes, although safety remains a priority.

The mayor detailed plans to develop a relocation site in a large lot in Barangay Argawanon for relocation purposes, with additional lots likely to be procured in other barangays to ensure families can be relocated closer to their communities.

He explained that these measures are necessary to ensure residents do not face further risks from expanding sinkholes and to provide safer housing options in the long term.

Martinez also emphasized the importance of funding support from NGOs and other institutions, citing previous assistance received from foreign organizations after Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

He said that while such help is hoped for, the local government must first conduct thorough assessments and carefully plan relocation sites to guarantee the safety of affected families.

The mayor said that they are still experiencing continuous aftershocks following the earthquake, saying "not as frequent or as strong as before, but it is still happening here."

The growing sinkhole situation in San Remigio is part of a larger regional issue identified shortly after the quake.

Last Oct. 14, two weeks following the Sept. 30 tremor, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau- Central Visayas (MGB-7) confirmed at least 70 sinkholes across northern Cebu at that time.

San Remigio accounted for the largest share 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.

Supervising Geologist Josephine Aleta explained that the combination of strong ground shaking and limestone-rich terrain created ideal conditions for sinkhole formation.

Limestone naturally dissolves over time, and when combined with rainwater containing carbonic acid, underground voids form that can collapse during seismic activity.

In San Remigio, residents in Barangay Maño experienced a large sinkhole that initially swallowed a coconut tree and a fishing boat, with further soil subsidence reported after a 5.8-magnitude aftershock.

Barangay officials and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office cordoned off the area and relocated nearby evacuees.

Authorities have observed sinkholes even near coastal zones, prompting calls for fencing and temporary swimming restrictions to prevent accidents.

MGB also warned residents against dumping soil or debris into sinkholes, noting that this could worsen ground instability or trigger flooding during heavy rains.

The Office of Civil Defense has reported that the earthquake left 72 people dead, destroyed numerous homes, and damaged critical infrastructure across northern Cebu.(MyTV Cebu)