More ground cracks found in remote Toboso areas

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has reiterated its call for residents to remain vigilant after several ground cracks were observed in a remote area of Barangay General Luna, Toboso, Negros Occidental.

MDRRMO head Hospicio Carbajosa Jr. said the Provincial Environment Management Office’s One Stop Shop Technical Team conducted a follow-up assessment on March 10 and 11 regarding the ground depression in the area.

The joint inspection was carried out in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Negros Island Region, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the MDRRMO to ensure the safety of the community and to further evaluate the condition of the affected area.

During the assessment, several cracks were observed to have widened further, indicating ongoing ground movement in certain areas, according to the PEMO.

The inspection aimed to assess the extent and possible causes of the ground depression, ensure the safety of nearby residents and infrastructure, and provide technical recommendations for appropriate actions and risk reduction measures.

Based on field observations, new ground cracks were identified in Sitio Bugho and Sitio Bairan.

The final findings and official geohazard assessment will be released by the MGB, according to the PEMO.

Residents were advised to remain vigilant and immediately report any unusual ground cracks, soil movement, or similar observations to barangay officials or local authorities.

Carbajosa said the affected area in Sitio Bairan is within a 60-meter diameter but 10 meters away from houses, and only one unoccupied house was directly affected.

In Sitio Bugho, the affected area covers a 90-meter radius, he added.

Ground depressions and cracks in areas with limestone soil can indicate subsurface erosion or the formation of sinkholes, which occur when underground water dissolves soluble rock beneath the surface, causing the ground above to collapse or subside.

The MDRRMO earlier suspected the incident could be a sinkhole.

The MGB-Negros Island Region first inspected the site last month but has yet to release a final assessment and recommendation regarding the matter.

Carbajosa said it is important for concerned authorities to use specialized equipment to officially determine the cause and make the necessary findings.

The incident was discovered on Feb. 12, affecting an area near the highway composed of limestone soil.