PHIVOLCS: Cebu earthquake aftershocks now 8,298

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has recorded a total of 8,298 aftershocks as of Tuesday morning following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Bogo City, Cebu last September 30.

In its update as of 11 a.m., PHIVOLCS said 34 of these aftershocks were felt. The strength of the aftershocks ranged from magnitude 1.0 to 5.1.

PHIVOLCS said the frequency or number of aftershocks per day is still decreasing.

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

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. 

The September 30 earthquake was generated by the Bogo Bay Fault in Sitio Looc, Barangay Nailon which was spotted by PHIVOLCS personnel last week.

PHIVOLCS on Monday recommended a five-meter zone of avoidance from the edge or trace of the Bogo Bay Fault.

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.)

The number of fatalities in the earthquake remained at 72, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Tuesday.

A total of 39,806 houses in Central Visayas have been damaged so far. —KG/VBL, GMA Integrated News