UWI’s Seismic Research Centre says the recent land movement in Los Iros may have been caused by recent heavy rains.
Photos shared on social media show large cracks and signs of the land having shifted.
The Centre says it has received a number of requests asking if an event occurred close to the area.
It says no activity was recorded on the seismic network.
It adds that upon inspection of the footage sent in, its engineering seismologist, Dr Ilias Papadopoulos, concluded that it could be the result of mass movement or landslides caused by recent heavy rains.
It says “The damage may look similar to what occurred after the earthquake in 2018 but a different geologic phenomenon caused it. In this case, gravity played a pivotal role for the damages observed.”
103.1FM News also spoke with Exploration Manager at Touchstone, Xavier Moonan, who was on site in the affected area over the weekend.
Mr Moonan says approximately 20 acres of land may have been affected, including farmland.
He adds that the area remains unstable and will continue to be so into the future.
Mr Moonan says there is also some evidence that new mud volcanoes might start to form.
Mr Moonan says advice was previously given to the Works Ministry regarding a possible route for a new road, efforts are underway to compile information on the latest slip for the Agriculture Minister.
