DENR confirms sinkholes in Jordan

THE Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) confirmed the presence of a sinkhole at Sitio Nagub-an, Barangay Sta. Teresa in Jordan, Guimaras.

In a report, EMB senior geologist Catherine R. Tapalla said that the sinkhole measures four meters in diameters.

EMB’s technical personnel conducted an ocular inspection on the area last March 7, 2019.

“The depressed area at the small farmland in Sitio Nagub-an (near Crossing Dayong), where the old water well with hand pump is located, is an example of a sinkhole. It signifies that dissolution of limestone/any calcareous rocks is occurring in the area,” read the excerpt of EMB report.

The sinkhole developed after the old well collapsed five years ago.

The ground depression indicates dissolution of limestone or any calcareous rocks in the area, according to the agency.

Tapalla said the sinkhole developed 85 meters away from a segment of Sta. Teresa village that is susceptible to karst subsidence hazard.

Ground subsidence due to sinkholes is one of the hazards present in karst terrains.

EMB recommended the backfilling of the sinkhole to avoid accidents.

A signage indicating the occurrence of subsidence will also be placed in the area.

Residents around the area are encouraged to be vigilant of any unusual occurrences. They must also constantly monitor the affected place and the nearby houses and structures for signs of sinkholes and subsidence, especially during prolonged rains and earthquakes.

Development of engineering structures and extraction of groundwater in the locality should be regulated.

Residents in the vicinity of the sinkhole should evacuate during heavy and prolonged rains or during earthquakes, according to the EMB.