FORTY-four sinkholes were found in eight out of nine barangays in Alegria, Cebu last March 5, said an official of the Mines and Geosciences (MGB) 7 yesterday.
However, the sinkholes don’t pose any immediate danger since these are far from residential areas, said Engr. Al Emil Berador, MGB 7 chief geologist.
During a weekly press conference organized by the Association of Government Information Officers 7, Berador said they initially chose Alegria for this year’s Subsidence Karst Hazard Mapping and Assessment as parts of the town are considered tourist destinations.
During their 20-day assessment, Berador and his team found sinkholes and caves in Barangays Lepanto, Guadalupe, Compostela, Madridejos, Valencia, Sta. Filomena, Montpeller and Legaspi.
The survey was carried out using Ground Penetrating Radar.
The survey also determined the limit of the underground cavity, Berador said.
Following their assessment, Berador said they briefed the local government unit (LGU) of their results.
They advised the LGU to cordon off the sinkholes to prevent people from going there.
Threat advisories were also issued to concerned barangays to aid them in developing contingency and disaster preparedness plans.
“You are advised to report immediately to us the sinkhole you see to the barangay officials, LGU, and, of course, to us for further investigation,” Berador added. (CLARENZ JAY MENDOZA, USJ-R JOURNALISM INTERN)