According to Phivolcs, the aftershocks from the deadly Sarangani earthquake may last for a month.
MAGNITUDE 7.8 SARANGANI EARTHQUAKE – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) says aftershocks may last a month.
On Monday, June 8, on the first day of the new school calendar, Sarangani was shaken by a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that collapsed schools, buildings, and establishments. The likely culprits behind this devastation, according to reports, are the three active subduction trenches surrounding the Mindanao Island.
As of the latest, the death toll in the deadly earthquake is already at 19, based on the report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
A total of 19 deaths were reported, with 16 recorded in Soccsksargen (Region XII) and three in the Davao Region (Region XI). Among the fatalities in Soccsksargen, 10 were from General Santos City, three from Glan, Sarangani, two from Tupi, South Cotabato, and one from Malapatan, Sarangani.
It also left 134 individuals injured, with 129 recorded in Soccsksargen and five in the Davao Region. There are also several individuals reported to be missing in General Santos City. The NDRRMC noted that the numbers reported “are all still for validation.”
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), aftershocks are expected to last for weeks or even a month.
“Nag-e-expect tayo ng maraming aftershocks na pwedeng tumagal ng buwan or linggo. Karamihan dito, maliit lamang pero posible pa rin tayong makaramdam ng ilang aftershocks na may kalakasan,” Phivolcs science research specialist chief Winchelle Sevilla said.
On their records, the strongest aftershock yet was at magnitude 6.7. As of 11 AM on Monday, Phivolcs has recorded 138 aftershocks.
Phivolcs also issued a tsunami alert, warning residents in coastal communities to remain vigilant for unusual changes in sea level, including sudden rises or drops. The agency advised those living along shorelines to evacuate immediately whenever tsunami warnings are issued to ensure their safety.
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