CEBU — At least 70 sinkholes have been discovered across northern Cebu following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau–Central Visayas (MGB-7) reported Thursday.

According to MGB-7 Supervising Geologist Josephine Aleta, the formation of the sinkholes was primarily caused by “extreme ground shaking,” compounded by the region’s naturally soluble limestone composition, which makes it prone to such occurrences.

“It is not conducive for a settlement area,” Aleta said, adding that while factors such as climate change and excessive groundwater extraction can contribute to ground subsidence, not all cases result in sinkholes.

Of the 70 sinkholes recorded, 40 were found in San Remigio; 16 in Bogo City; eight in Daanbantayan; two each in Medellin and Tuburan; and one each in Sogod and Tabuelan.

Aleta noted that with the magnitude 5.8 aftershock on 13 October, some existing sinkholes may expand or new ones could appear. “So far, tent cities are safe from sinkholes,” she assured.

The geologist also urged residents to steer clear of identified sinkhole areas and avoid using them as compost pits.

Meanwhile, the Cebu Provincial Government is considering reclassifying and rezoning land use in local government units affected by the sinkholes and fault lines to ensure public safety.

SC visits Cebu facilities

The Supreme Court (SC) Oversight Committee on the General Maintenance of the Philippine Halls of Justice, chaired by Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando, conducted an ocular inspection of trial courts in Cebu and the Court of Appeals (CA) Visayas Station following the recent earthquake that struck the province.