SINKHOLES & THE CABAGNOW CAVE

1. Are sinkholes dangerous? Why?

- A sinkhole is a hole or a depression in the ground due to a collapsed surface layer that triggered usually by an earthquake or some human activities such as underground mining. So, are the sinkhole dangerous? The answer is YES and NO. Sinkholes can be dangerous depending on its nature or type. Sinkholes can be anywhere from a few inches to many hundred feet long. But generally, a sinkhole is not dangerous. A dangerous sinkholes are the ones with large collapsed area. In addition, a large sinkhole can hold large amount of water, hence it will turn into a pond which can cause injuries and fatalities. Even though sinkholes are not generally dangerous, an attempt to approach a sinkhole is a bad idea.

2. Do you think that it is safe to swim in Cabagnow Cave? Why?

- The Cabagnow Cave Pool has an estimated of 20 to 25 feet deep, located at Sitio Fatima, Bacong Anda, Bohol. Generally, swimming or entering a cave pool comes with a danger, it is the person's discernment to tell if the place is safe or not. Just follow the safety rules and do not do anything that will cause you harm. Such tourist spot are regulated by rules and regulations for everyone's safety. With that said, swimming in Cabagnow cave is safe, unless you neglect the safety rule and not being careful, then you'e not safe.

3. Is there any benefit in the emergence of sinkholes? Why?

- YES, because of sinkholes, ponds will form. Ponds do conserve water. Less movement less pollution, Ponds support local wildlife, place for aquatic animals and plants. Other benefit of sinkhole is, it can serve as a warning, landowners will know that the place is not suitable for building homes or buildings.

4. What can we do to lessen the impact of sinkholes?

- To lessen the impact of the sinkholes, especially to the environment. We should clean the area around the sinkhole and the sinkhole itself, just be extra careful. Remove all kind debris from the hole.  Incrementally and carefully fill the depression with fill soil that has a high amount of clay or silt, using sand is not advisable since it cannot hold large amount of water, thus sinkhole will emerged again. Or let the sinkhole turn into pond and convert it into a park, it will beautify the surroundings.

#BRAINLYEVERYDAY