A landslide hit Garcia Hernandez, Bohol on November 5, 2025, damaging homes in seven barangays. Triggered by typhoon rains, the collapse destroyed at least 12 houses but caused no casualties thanks to early evacuations. Authorities have declared the area a danger zone due to ongoing soil movement. (Contributed photo)
LGU officials are considering declaring five hectares in a Bohol town a danger zone after landslides and ground fissures displaced dozens of families following heavy rains from Typhoon Tino.
The area in barangay Candanas, Garcia Hernandez town in Bohol province, has experienced ground movement, road cracks and landslides that have affected at least 11 families, officials said.
“The area in the said barangay is already dangerous,” Mayor Jess Baja said, adding that he had requested the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to inspect the site amid reports of sinkholes.
A provincial road in the area has been closed to traffic, with motorists advised to use alternate routes through neighboring barangay Mayana in Jagna town.
The landslides occurred after prolonged rainfall from Typhoon Tino saturated the ground, according to Nolan Evangelista, head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in Bohol.
Similar incidents have occurred in nearby areas.
In barangay Cantuyoc, Jagna town, ground fissures displaced around 10 families on November 8, 2025 with two families sheltering at the barangay hall.
“The land fissures began early last week and may continue in coming days,” said barangay captain Geronimo Daguplo, attributing the phenomenon to soil softening from heavy rains.
In Mayana, Jagna, Evangelista said landslides have been recurring events, with similar incidents in 2005.
Evangelista urged residents in hazardous areas to evacuate when ordered by authorities.
The provincial government distributed relief goods to affected families, while Bohol Electric Cooperative 2 restored damaged power lines on November 12, 2025.
Experts said the ground cracking could be caused by groundwater withdrawal, soil desiccation, or slow-moving landslides that occur without seismic tremors.