Cebu earthquake aftershocks now 6,967 —PHIVOLCS

A total of 6,967 aftershocks have been recorded following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Bogo City, Cebu last September 30, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Monday.  

In a 6 a.m. update, PHIVOLCS said 29 of these aftershocks were felt. The strength of the aftershocks ranged from 1.0 to 5.1.

PHIVOLCS said that the frequency or number of aftershocks per day (frequency) is now decreasing.

“You would notice in the chart that the number of aftershocks per day (frequency) is decreasing,” PHIVOLCS said on Sunday evening. 

According to PHIVOLCS, aftershocks are normal and natural especially when the magnitude of the main shock is high. 

“Aftershocks may persist for weeks to months. It means that the part of the subsurface that moved is still adjusting to a stable condition/position,” the agency said. 

PHIVOLCS director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol earlier 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.)

As of Sunday morning, the reported death toll due to the earthquake was 71, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). —KG, GMA Integrated News