CRACKS | Ground fissures, as shown in this photo taken on May 12, 2023, threaten at least 10 houses in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. (Photo courtesy of the San Carlos City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office)
BACOLOD CITY — At least 58 persons from 10 families were evacuated on Friday after a wall along the Palampas River in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, showed signs it could collapse anytime as ground fissures grew and the soil began to sink in the same area.
Joe Alingasa Jr., head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), said the ground fissures threatened to swallow the houses in Purok Tindalo, Barangay 1.
“A portion of the retaining wall along Palampas River has early signs of possible collapse due to scouring,” he said.
Ten adjacent houses, he said, were found to have cracks in the floors while one already sank.
“Portions beneath the houses are hollow and water has seeped in. It looks like a cave now,” Alingasa said.
Personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), City Engineering Department and CDRRMO Community Risk Assessment Team have conducted an investigation on the cause of the visible cracks in the retaining wall and ground fissures.
No prior inspection
Village chief Joselito Lopez and Councilman John Pomar Jr. led the evacuation together with the CDRRMO. The affected families were brought to the village’s multipurpose gymnasium and were provided with food.
“They will remain in the evacuation center until some solution is reached to ensure their safety,” Alingasa said.
Heavy downpours or flooding, he said, could worsen the situation and cause the houses to sink.
“When the retaining wall was built, the structural situation beneath the 10 houses was not checked because they are located on private property,” he said.
“When cracks were seen on the retaining wall and on the ground where the houses are located, it was discovered that it is hollow beneath the houses where water has seeped in,” he added.
Alingasa said they found what appeared to be a cave underneath the houses where mudfish abound.
“There is a hole in a section of the river wall that collapsed where humans can enter and swim beneath the houses to catch mudfish,” he said.
The San Carlos City Engineer’s Office has been working with the DPWH to find ways to ensure the safety of residents, Alingasa said.