PHIVOLCS: Cebu earthquake aftershocks reach 7,027

The number of aftershocks has reached 7,027 as of Monday morning following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Bogo City, Cebu last September 30, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

In its 8 a.m. update, PHIVOLCS said 31 of these aftershocks were felt with strength of up to magnitude 5.1.

PHIVOLCS said that the frequency or number of aftershocks per day 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 urged 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 reported death toll due to the earthquake was 72, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Monday. —KG, GMA Integrated News