By CESAR JOLITO III

Authorities conducted a follow-up assessment in a village in Negros Occidental’s Toboso town after signs of continuing ground movement were observed in areas affected by a ground depression.

The Provincial Environment Management Office’s (PEMO) one-stop shop technical team carried out the inspection from March 10 to 11 in Barangay General Luna to further evaluate the condition of the affected site and ensure the safety of residents.

The assessment was conducted in coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in the Negros Island Region, the Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Toboso Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

During the inspection, authorities identified new ground cracks in Sitio Bugho and Bairan.

Several previously recorded cracks were also found to have widened, indicating ongoing ground movement in certain parts of the barangay.

Officials said the joint assessment aims to determine the extent and possible causes of the ground depression, ensure the safety of nearby residents and infrastructure, and develop technical recommendations for appropriate action and risk reduction measures.

MGB will release the final geohazard assessment and official findings.

Meanwhile, residents were advised to remain vigilant and immediately report any unusual ground cracks, soil movement, or similar observations to barangay officials or local authorities to prevent possible risks./CJ, WDJ