Earthquake swarm in offshore Sultan Kudarat now 765

A total of 765 earthquakes have been recorded in offshore Sultan Kudarat since Monday, January 19, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Friday.

As of 6 a.m., the PHIVOLCS said that of the total earthquakes, 30 were felt. The magnitude of the earthquakes ranged from 1.4 to 5.2.

The PHIVOLCS said on Thursday that the series of small earthquakes in the area may have been caused by movements along the Cotabato Trench.

PHIVOLCS chief Dr. Teresito Bacolcol said the earthquake swarm was probably caused by stress slowly being released along the trench.

“It may or may not lead to a larger event... Earthquake swarms do not automatically mean that a stronger earthquake will follow,” he added.

PHIVOLCS advised affected residents to be alert and ready for possible hazards from the seismic activity. 

“Maging handa sa lindol at gawin ang DUCK/DROP, COVER, and HOLD,” PHIVOLCS said.

(Be prepared for an earthquake and practice DUCK/DROP, COVER, and HOLD.)

“Para sa mga nasa baybayin, maging alerto sa mga senyales ng paparating na lokal na tsunami - SHAKE o malakas na lindol; DROP, o biglaang pagbabago sa antas ng tubig-dagat; at ROAR, o kakaibang tunog tulad ng dagundong ng papalapit na alon. Kapag naobserbahan ang alinman sa mga ito ay AGAD na LUMIKAS patungo sa mataas na lugar o papalayo sa dagat,” it added.

(For those on the coast, be alert to the signs of an approaching local tsunami - SHAKE or a strong earthquake; DROP, or a sudden change in sea level; and ROAR, or a strange sound like the roar of an approaching wave. If any of these are observed, IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE to higher ground or away from the sea.) –VAL, GMA Integrated News