Sinkhole victims to get bunkhouse

CEBU, Philippines - At least 50 bunkhouses will be constructed by the municipal government of Sta. Fe for the residents of Kinatarcan Island who were directly affected by a sinkhole.

Mayor Jose Esgana said 30 to 40 families are still in the evacuation centers because they are not permitted to return to their respective home.

The mayor said that those who were not allowed to go home will be given a bunkhouse by the municipal government.

Esgana said the Mines and Geosciences Bureau had already inspected the area once. It is now the Provincial Capitol and its local disaster and risk reduction management office that are helping them.

Perimeter fence was built on the site where the sinkhole was sighted since July. Esgana said the holes, some as large as 60 meters by 40 meters, already show seawater in the bottom.

He said this is why they have to stop the residents from coming back to their houses “kay sige ra bag uwan nya dagat ang naa sa ilawom.”

But while these families are living in evacuation sites, Esgana said they are encouraged to go on with their livelihood.

Esgana is thankful for some non-government organizations which are still helping them, being also victims of last year’s super typhoon Yolanda. (FREEMAN)