Cebu earthquake aftershocks reached over 9,000 - PHIVOLCS

October 9 ------ The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has recorded over 9,000 aftershocks following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Bogo City, Cebu last September 30. “In latest bulletin nakapagtala na po tayo ng 9,037. 'Yung pinakamataas is so far 'yung October 3 pa rin na aftershock, magnitude 5.1,” PHIVOLCS director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol told Dobol B TV in an interview. 

In an update as of 8 a.m., PHIVOLCS said the number of aftershocks increased to 9,108. Only 38 of these aftershocks were felt. The strength of the aftershocks ranged from magnitude 1.0 to 5.1.

PHIVOLCS said the frequency or number of aftershocks per day is decreasing. “You would notice in the chart that the number of aftershocks per day (frequency) is decreasing,” PHIVOLCS earlier said. According to PHIVOLCS, aftershocks are normal and natural especially when the magnitude of the main shock is high. “Aftershocks may persist for weeks to months. It means that the part of the subsurface that moved is still adjusting to a stable condition/position,” the agency said. 

Bacolcol earlier advised affected residents to consult first with experts before returning to their homes for their safety.  “If there are visible damages sa mga istruktura kung saan sila nakatira, huwag muna silang pumasok,” he said. “They have to consult their municipal or city engineers kasi kung hindi man ito totally na-damage during the main shock, baka ma-damage ito totally during a strong aftershock,” he added. 

The number of fatalities in the earthquake remained 72, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

Source: gmanetwork.com