Cebu earthquake aftershocks now 3,685—PHIVOLCS

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has recorded a total of 3,685 aftershocks after the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Bogo City, Cebu.

In its 4 a.m. update on Friday, PHIVOLCS said that 18 of these aftershocks were felt and that the strength of the aftershocks ranged from magnitude 1.0 to 5.1.

The death toll due to the earthquake increased to 73, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Thursday.

Many survivors were sleeping on the roadside and wrapped themselves in plastic amid the threat of aftershocks and unstable buildings.

PHIVOLCS director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol earlier said that more aftershocks are expected. 

“Inaasahan natin na magkakaroon pa ng mga aftershocks in the next few days. Sometimes the aftershocks would last for several weeks,” Bacolcol said.

(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.)

He 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.) —VAL, GMA Integrated News