The sinkhole that triggered mountain slope cracks and landslides at Camp Valdez, Barangay Mambaroto in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, is “progressing”, a Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) official said on Wednesday, Oct. 22.
The MGB will conduct a ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey of the area to determine the sub-surface condition and the extent of the danger to commuters passing through the road in the area, MGB Negros Island Region Director, Benigno Cesar Espejo, said.
He said the inspection of the critical area will be conducted so remedial measures can be suggested.
The Sipalay City government is currently working on finding an alternate route, and the Department of Public Works and Highways is set to assess the affected road section, Espejo said.
The clearing the debris along the drainage canal, fast-tracking an alternate road, and, allowing only light vehicles to pass through the affected road section one at a time has been recommended, he said.
He said the surface of the area where the sinkhole is located is limestone, which may have been affected by heavy rain and recent earthquakes.
As part of the characteristic of limestone, it is possible to have a void at the bottom because it is soluble, he said.
The Sipalay City government has put up a sign warning commuters of possible landslides in the area.*