Cebu earthquake aftershocks reached 9,965 — PHIVOLCS

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has recorded a total of 9,965 aftershocks as of Thursday morning following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Bogo City, Cebu on September 30.

In its 10 a.m. update, PHIVOLCS said 44 of these aftershocks were felt. The strength of the aftershocks ranged from magnitude 1.0 to 5.1.

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

PHIVOLCS chief 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 increased to 74, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Thursday.

A total of 71,996 houses were damaged—67,027 partially and 4,969 totally. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News