Sinkhole that threatens road in Sipalay City ‘progressing’ – MGB
Personnel of the local disaster risk reduction and management office measure a widening crack caused by a progressing sinkhole along a mountain slope in Camp Valdez, Barangay Mambaroto, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau said the sinkhole, which has also triggered minor landslides, is being closely monitored as experts prepare a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey to assess the subsurface condition and recommend safety measures for motorists using the affected road. (Contributed photos)
BACOLOD CITY — The sinkhole that triggered mountain slope cracks and landslides at Camp Valdez in Barangay Mambaroto, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, is “progressing,” an official of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) said on Wednesday.
MGB-Negros Island Region Director Benigno Cesar Espejo said the bureau will conduct a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey in the area to determine the subsurface condition and assess the extent of the danger to commuters passing through the affected road.
He said an inspection of the critical area will be carried out to recommend appropriate remedial measures.
READ: Sinkholes in Cebu after earthquake: What are they?
The Sipalay City government is currently identifying an alternate route, while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to assess the affected road section, Espejo added.
He said recommended actions include clearing debris along the drainage canal, fast-tracking the construction of an alternate road, and allowing only light vehicles to pass through the affected section one at a time.
Espejo explained that the surface of the area where the sinkhole formed consists of limestone, which may have been weakened by heavy rainfall and recent earthquakes.
As part of the characteristics of limestone, it is possible to have a void at the bottom because it is soluble, he said.
The Sipalay City government has also installed warning signs to alert commuters of possible landslides in the area./coa
