Based on PHIVOLCS, the Cebu aftershocks could last months.
CEBU AFTERSHOCKS – Over 7,000 aftershocks have been recorded since the tremor happened, and this could last for days to months.
The 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Bogo City, Cebu, had left a devastating aftermath. Several establishments and churches were destroyed, and the worst one the tremor brought was leaving the people helpless. Quake survivors need help as the massive destruction has displaced families, disrupted livelihoods, and left many struggling to access food, shelter, and medical assistance.
Army troops, police, and civilian volunteers—assisted by backhoes and sniffer dogs—were deployed to carry out house-to-house searches for survivors. Five days after the shaking, Cebu is still struggling with aid delivery.
As of October 6, aftershocks have reached 7,027, ranging from magnitude 1 to magnitude 5. According to PHIVOLCS, this is normal and natural, especially when the magnitude of the main shock is high.
If people wish to go back to their homes, PHIVOLCS director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol encouraged them to consult first with experts for safety purposes. He advised that if there is visible damage to the structures where they live, they should not go inside.
As for the aftershocks, some 7,000 aftershocks from the offshore quake has already occurred. Bacolcol said, “Normal na may aftershocks pagkatapos ng malakas na lindol at puwede itong tumagal nang ilang linggo o buwan. Habang tumatagal naman, pahina nang pahina ang mga ito habang bumababa ang stress sa fault.”
As days go on, the aftershocks decrease and weaken over time. However, he said residents should be cautious of “ground ruptures,” which are fissures or displacements in the ground caused by the fault’s movement.
“Ito ang surface manifestation ng active fault natin so kapag tinamaan ang bahay mo ng ground rupture, puwedeng masira yan at walang engineering intervention,” he said.
What can you say about this? Let us know in the comments!