Cebu earthquake aftershocks reached 379 so far —PHIVOLCS

A total of 379 aftershocks have been recorded so far after the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Bogo City, Cebu, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Wednesday. 

In an update as of 4 a.m., PHIVOLCS said that only three of the total aftershocks were felt. 

The strength of the aftershocks ranged from magnitude 1.4 to 4.8. 

“Inaasahan natin na magkakaroon pa ng mga aftershocks in the next few days. Sometimes the aftershocks would last for several weeks,” PHIVOLCS director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol told GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita in an interview. 

(We expect there will be more aftershocks in the next few days. Sometimes the aftershocks last for several weeks.) 

“Habang tumatagal naman, bumababa ang number ng aftershocks natin, and humihina din yung magnitude,” he added.

(As time goes on, the number of aftershocks will be decreasing, and their magnitude is also decreasing.)

Bacolcol 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. 

(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 earthquake occurred at 9:59 p.m. on Tuesday.

PHIVOLCS initially reported the earthquake as magnitude 6.7 before the agency upgraded it to 6.9. 

The earthquake had a depth of five kilometers and was tectonic in origin, according to PHIVOLCS. 

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) earlier said 26 people have reportedly died due to the quake, while 147 people were reported injured. 

“Situation still being assessed. We've been receiving reports of casualties from different sources. However, we still need to validate those reports to provide a clearer picture,” OCD deputy spokesperson Diego Mariano told reporters in a message. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News