Cebu earthquake aftershocks now 11,835 — PHIVOLCS

The number of aftershocks from the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Bogo City, Cebu last September 30 has increased to 11,835 as of Monday morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

In an 11 a.m. update, PHIVOLCS said 46 of these aftershocks were felt.

PHIVOLCS chief Dr. Teresito Bacolcol earlier advised affected residents to consult first with experts before returning to their homes as a safety precaution.

“If there are visible damages sa mga istruktura kung saan sila nakatira, huwag muna silang pumasok,” he said.

(If there are visible damage to the structures where they live, they should not go inside.)

“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.

(They have to consult their municipal or city engineers because if it wasn't totally damaged during the main shock, it could be totally damaged during a strong aftershock.)

The number of fatalities in the earthquake increased to 75, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said on Monday.

A total of 79,959 houses were damaged—74,616 partially and 5,343 totally.

Inspect and evaluate 

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday said it has directed all concerned local governments to immediately conduct thorough inspections and structural evaluations.

In an advisory, the DILG said local governments should hold rapid structural assessments led by Building Officials, Municipal and City Engineers, and other technical personnel.

“Priority should be given to structures in heavily affected barangays and those reported to have visible cracks, partial collapse, or foundation damage,” the DILG said.

“LGUs are likewise instructed to inspect tilted or displaced buildings and structures affected by ground fissures, sediment venting, and subsidence before allowing reoccupation. Residential structures must also be properly assessed to determine the extent of damage and ensure the safety of occupants, it added.

Local governments are also reminded to speed up the processing and issuance of permits for repair or reconstruction works. — RF, GMA Integrated News