MGB-DENR Counts Over 800 Sinkholes in Boracay and Claims Collapse of Island is Possible
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (MGB-DENR) detects over 800 sinkholes in Boracay.
The agency counted 815 sinkholes in the world-famous Boracay Island off the northwest coast of Aklan province as of this year. These holes may put the lives of both local and foreign tourists at risk.
MGB suggested reducing the weight of structures in the popular tourist destination by constructing only single-story buildings to minimize the risk of collapse and to protect other properties on the island.
“Kung sobrang bigat ng structure, nag-a-add ng weight, plus the fact na natutunaw ‘yung ilalim. Only time can tell, ma-collapse gid na siya,” MGB Geosciences Division chief engineer Mae Magarzo.
A study also shows that the island can only carry a maximum population of 54,945 but the current number of persons has exceeded by 15, 836.
DENR regional executive director Livino Duran will still release an update regarding the carrying capacity for Boracay.
National Geographic described sinkholes as a hole in the ground that forms when water dissolves surface rock. Sinkholes only occur in limestone areas and do not exist in other types of rocks.
“Sinkholes are land depressions due to the removal of support underneath due to earthquake, or due to the lowering of the ground waters. These sinkholes are not found in other types of rocks but exclusively in limestone areas,” Magarzo added.
DENR recorded 801 sinkholes in 2019, and 814 sinkholes in 2020.
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