Aftershock count nears 2,800 following September 30 earthquake in Cebu

A total of 2,792 aftershocks have been recorded following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu on September 30, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Of the total aftershocks detected, 551 have been plotted or located, while 14 were reported as felt events by residents. The aftershocks range in magnitude from 1.0 to 5.0, PHIVOLCS said.

The death toll from the devastating Cebu earthquake has risen to 72, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The agency said all casualties are still for validation. Meanwhile, there is no reported missing person in NDRRMC's data. 

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has warned the public to avoid going back to their houses until authorities declare it is safe to do so.

PHIVOLCS said that the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Bogo City is the strongest earthquake ever recorded in northern Cebu.

Caused by an offshore fault, the strongest intensity the earthquake produced was Intensity VII, which was felt in Bogo City, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, and Tabuelan in Cebu. —VBL, GMA Integrated News