A WOMAN died after she was swallowed up by a “sinkhole” in Purok 3, Barangay Sabang, Danao City, northern Cebu, around 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023.
The victim was identified as Mejame Papaya, a 46-year-old factory worker.
The search and rescue team composed of police officers, firefighters, employees of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) and volunteers recovered her body almost five hours later at 9:50 p.m.
They had to use a backhoe to get to her.
Staff Sgt. Allan Vertucio, investigator at the Danao City Police Station, said Papaya and her husband were feeding their pig when they felt the ground shake.
He said the couple quickly fled the area, but then the earth suddenly opened up and swallowed the victim along with their pig and their house.
He said the husband was only saved because he ran as fast as he could for higher ground.
Vertucio said the sinkhole measures eight meters deep and covers an area of around 200 square meters.
The police investigator said the site used to be a quarry.
He said it took a while to retrieve the victim’s body because the search and retrieval team had to first clear the affected area of stone and soil using heavy equipment.
He said they’re waiting for the local government unit’s next move.
Vertucio said police are ready to help the CDRRMO evacuate residents in the area, which he described as very dangerous.
He said they will make sure no one falls into the sinkhole while they continue with clearing operations.
Not a sinkhole
In a statement sent to SunStar Cebu on Saturday, Feb. 4, officials of the Danao City Government clarified that the incident was not caused by a sinkhole, but by a collapsed mining pit.
Following the incident, they have asked CDDRMO personnel to determine if the ground in the area is safe and stable.
The morning after the incident, CDRRMO personnel conducted an inspection and cordoned off areas adjacent to the accident site.
Members of affected households were forced to temporarily evacuate, as the area remains off limits.
The City Government also provided assistance to Papaya’s family.
The CDRRMO , the City Engineering and City Environment and Natural Resources Office are schedule to conduct another inspection to look for hollow portions within the radius of the accident site.
The CDRRMO team also visited households to inform them of possible risks, including the use of old pits. According to some residents, children used these as play areas, shelters or pig pens.
The City Government, with the help of Barangay Sabang, continues to monitor Purok 3. (GPL, JKV / PJB)