The karst subsidence hazard assessment was initiated as part of the national geo-hazards assessment and mapping program (NGAMP) of the MGB to delineate areas susceptible to ground subsidence due to sinkhole collapse and promote awareness of the karst subsidence hazard, said MGB regional director Leo Van V. Juguan.
“These data can serve as input during the preparations of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan,” he said, adding that it speaks of the integrity of the area especially when it will be utilized for infrastructure projects such as housing.
The sinkholes are found in barangays San Miguel, Salvacion, Tacay, Taminla, Mabini, San Pedro, Dagsa-an and San Roque.
The sizes of the sinkholes vary from as deep as one meter while those in San Pedro and Mabini were found to have large subsidence of up to one kilometer, said MGB geologist Katherine Tapalla.
Places with limestone and other soluble areas are prone to sinkholes, she added.
Meanwhile, Rene B. De La Cruz, chief of the mine safety, environment and social division, said that the “it warrants further scientific study to define the risk” of the sinkholes.
Juguan said that residents in areas affected were already given advisories. He added that there are engineering measures that can be done to address the concern.
With the case of San Pedro and Mabini where the large sinkholes were identified, Juguan said that the residents may continue to toil their farm situated in the area but may opt to transfer their house.
MGB has already completed the conduct of the assessment in the province of Guimaras but a detailed map is yet to be drawn.
Tapalla said that aside from Buenavista, the town of Nueva Valencia also has plenty of limestone areas. (PNA)
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