Barangay exec: Initial findings on Topaz Road shows erosion caused cracks

Photo from the Facebook of Barangay San Antonio

MANILA, Philippines — Soil erosion due to recent heavy rains may have caused parts of the Topaz Road in Pasig City to crack open, the chief of Barangay San Antonio said.

According to barangay captain Raymond Lising, this was based on the initial findings made after Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) personnel and Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto visited the damaged area.

“Our initial findings showed that soil erosion could have caused the cracks. Yesterday, it was raining very hard here,” Lising said.

A company doing construction activities near the area said that they will stop their operations momentarily to help in investigating what caused the cracks.

“The construction site near the cracks will stop their operations, but they will still help with the investigation on this matter,” he added.

On Sunday, residents in nearby condominiums discovered the cracks, leading authorities to close the roads to avoid further damage and hazards.  Earlier, Sotto said in a Facebook story that the city’s Engineering Department has finished assessing the area adding that it is generally safe.

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Lising also assured the public that Topaz Road is safe for people living near the area, asking that people refrain from sharing unverified rumors online.

“We are appealing to everyone not to panic. But we must always remain vigilant and alert at all times.  There will be no evacuation. So far, there’s no danger,” he explained.

“Along with our local government officials, (we) will be inspecting the four buildings near where the crack are located,” he added.

JPV