Davao Oriental earthquake aftershocks now 1,364

A total of 1,364 aftershocks have been recorded as of Wednesday morning following the magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 doublet earthquakes in offshore Manay, Davao Oriental on October 10, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said.

“Nakapagtala na po tayo as of 4 a.m. kanina ng 1,364 aftershocks,” PHIVOLCS chief Dr. Teresito Bacolcol told Dobol B TV in an interview. 

(We have recorded 1,364 aftershocks as of 4 a.m. as of Wednesday morning.)

PHIVOLCS said 19 of the aftershocks were felt as their strength ranged from magnitude 1.2 to 5.8. 

READ: Aftershocks: What to know and what to expect

According to PHIVOLCS, aftershocks are “small earthquakes that follow a larger earthquake (mainshock). The aftershocks may continue to occur for several days and weeks, some of which may be felt.” 

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 is 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 was nine, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said Tuesday. 

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