The cracks in several parts of Topaz Road in Pasig City were not caused by fault lines, based on the initial joint assessment of Pasig engineering office, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Authorities said drainage line cracks caused water seepage and triggered soil erosion, which eventually caused the road cracks to open. The pressure on the affected drainage line was strong, since it is connected to the storm drain of several buildings in the area.
The cause of the cracks in the drainage line has yet to be determined.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) is set to conduct a ground penetrating radar survey on Tuesday (Aug. 24) to find out whether there are void spaces underneath the road.
Pasig Public Information Office (PIO) said the city engineering office will begin repairing the damaged area after the survey.
Councilor Jun Sistoso, Brgy. San Antonio co-chairman of infrastructure and disaster management, said the cracks were initially reported before 6:00 p.m. on Sunday (Aug. 22), which were 10 feet deep and 70 meters long.
These were located between a building and a construction site which temporarily suspended its operations. Manila Water has already conducted preventive measures in the area.
“Parang ‘yung kanilang main line ay papatayin na nila kasi may mga naka-hang na. Susuportahan muna nila and then ida-divert sa labas muna temporarily sa ibabaw na ng sidewalk,” Sistoso said. – Report from Rod Lagusad/AG-rir
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