Fear continues to grip many residents in Northern Cebu after a powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Bogo City on September 30.
Since then, people have been living in constant worry — not just because of the aftershocks, but because of sinkholes appearing in several parts of the province.
According to a report by Alan Domingo on “24 Oras”, authorities have already found at least 70 sinkholes in Northern Cebu. The town of San Remigio recorded the highest number with 40 sinkholes, while Bogo City reported 16.
Experts from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) warned that more sinkholes might still form as aftershocks continue to shake the region.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said there have been over 12,000 aftershocks since the main quake, including one with a magnitude 4.0 recorded early Tuesday morning.
MGB also cautioned that existing sinkholes could become even deeper and more dangerous due to the constant ground movement. The agency has yet to finalize the total number of barangays and families affected.
Residents living near sinkholes have been urged to evacuate immediately for their safety.
A video taken in Sitio Sansan, Barangay Mano, San Remigio showed a terrifying scene — part of a house collapsing after the ground beneath it gave way.
“Our number one recommendation is to cordon off the area and stay away from sinkholes,” said Josephine Aleta, Officer-in-Charge of MGB’s Geosciences Division. “They can collapse anytime.”
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said the provincial government is awaiting MGB’s final report to guide future decisions on land use and zoning, especially near the Bogo Bay Fault.
“We always put safety first,” Baricuatro said. “If that’s the recommendation of our national agencies, we will follow it. There’s no moving forward without ensuring our people’s safety.”
Adding to residents’ anxiety, several fish were found dead in Barangay Santo Rosario, Bogo City — sparking fears that sinkholes and underwater cracks caused by the quake may be affecting marine life.
Experts explained that strong ground movement underwater can indeed cause fish kills by releasing trapped gases or stirring up harmful sediments.
As aftershocks continue and new sinkholes emerge, people in Cebu remain on edge — praying that the ground beneath them finally finds peace.
