PHIVOLCS logs over 6,000 aftershocks after Mindanao earthquake

More than 6,000 aftershocks have been recorded since the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

"As of 11 a.m. today, we have already recorded 6,144 aftershocks. Of these, 78 were felt by residents, with magnitudes ranging from 1.2 to 6.4," PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol said during an interview on "Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon."

"The strongest aftershock was magnitude 6.4, which occurred several hours after the main shock on June 8," he added.

The powerful earthquake has affected more than 176,000 families and left at least 65 people dead, based on the latest government disaster reports.

The quake also triggered coastal uplift in parts of Sarangani and Davao Occidental. In Glan, Sarangani, the sudden rise of the seabed reportedly led to the death of marine life.

"Basically, major uplift usually occurs during the main shock. We still expect aftershocks, and minor ground adjustments may continue as the Earth's crust settles following the earthquake," Bacolcol said.

"Even then, we do not expect the same level of uplift unless another major seismic event similar to that of June 8 occurs," he added.

PHIVOLCS also warned of possible landslides and other geological hazards in parts of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and General Santos City.

"Based on aerial and ground assessments conducted by PHIVOLCS and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), several areas in Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and General Santos City showed evidence of earthquake-induced landslides. We also observed tension cracks, road subsidence, rock falls, and other forms of ground deformation," Bacolcol said.

Among the affected areas were parts of Glan and Malapatan in Sarangani, sections of General Santos City and the T'boli Road, as well as portions of the Sarangani–Davao Occidental Coastal Road.—MCG, GMA News