PHIVOLCS: Davao Oriental earthquake aftershocks now 1,281

A total of 1,281 aftershocks have been recorded following the magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 doublet earthquakes in offshore Manay, Davao Oriental last October 10, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Tuesday. 

In an update as of 8 a.m., PHIVOLCS said 15 of these aftershocks were felt. The strength of the aftershocks ranged from magnitude 1.2 to 5.8. 

PHIVOLCS chief Dr. Teresito Bacolcol earlier advised affected residents to consult first with experts before returning to their homes as a safety precaution.

“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 in the earthquake is eight, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Tuesday. 

A total of 2,575 houses were damaged—2,231 partially and 344 totally. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News