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State seismologists on Tuesday morning reported it has recorded more than 700 aftershocks from Monday's magnitude-6.9 quake that struck the Visayas, and warned of more possible aftershocks in the coming weeks.

 

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology seismologist Winchell Sevilla said the most powerful as of 7 a.m. Tuesday occurred Monday night, measuring magnitude 6.2.

 

"Expect natin sa mga susunod na araw at perhaps sa susunod na linggo magkakaroon ng aftershock sa vicinity ng epicentral area," Sevilla said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

The epicenter of the magnitude-6.9 quake, which was recorded at 11:49 a.m. Monday, was at 5 km northwest of Tayasan in Negros Oriental.

 

As of 6:30 a.m., radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported the Phivolcs had recorded 734 aftershocks, 55 of which were felt in Negros and other areas.

Casualties

 

Don't panic

 

Sevilla advised residents not to panic when an aftershock occurs, and urged them to secure items in their homes that can fall down and harm residents if a quake occurs.

 

He also said residents should not immediately return to structures, especially those that sustained visible damage.

 

"’Yung unang dapat gawin, huwag mag-panic at siguraduhin nating secure ang bagay na pwedeng bumagsak. Ang structure na may minor damages during main shock ipasuri muna kung safe gamitin," he said.

 

When asked until when the aftershocks will last, he did not give a definite timetable.

 

"Hindi natin masabi ang exact date or time pero expect natin in a few days or weeks," he said.

 

A separate report by dzBB's Glen Juego quoted National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council as urging residents not to return to homes damaged by the quake.

 

Phivolcs warns vs text messages on volcanic eruptions

 

Meanwhile, Phivolcs head Renato Solidum Jr. warned residents in Visayas not to believe text messages claiming Monday's magnitude-6.9 quake may trigger activity in nearby volcanoes.

 

"Minsan ang isang bulkan kahit may malakas na lindol kung walang magma sa ilalim na ready to erupt, ‘di siya mag-a-activate o magpapakita ng abnormality," he said.

 

He urged residents not to believe text messages that this or that volcano will erupt because of Monday's quake.

 

"Sana ang ganyang information ay sa official organizations tulad ng Phivolcs [i-verify]," he said.

 

However, Solidum said they will continue to monitor the region for aftershocks.

 

Solidum also said the Phivolcs is sending a team to monitor the Negros area and check for even small quakes. –KG/HS, GMA News