PHIVOLCS logs 1,692 aftershocks from Surigao del Sur earthquake

A total of 1,692 aftershocks have been registered since the magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur over the weekend, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Monday.

As of 8 a.m., PHIVOLCS said the magnitude of the aftershocks ranged from 1.4 to 6.6.

PHIVOLCS director Teresito Bacolcol said people should expect aftershocks in the next few weeks which will become weaker and fewer as days progress. 

“‘Yung dahilan ng aftershocks natin naga-adjust pa ‘yung mga bato. So habang naga-adjust pa siya hindi pa stable so nagpo-produce ‘yan ng lindol na tinatawag natin na aftershocks,” he explained in an Unang Balita interview. 

(The reason for the aftershocks is that the rocks are still adjusting. So while they are still adjusting, the rocks are not yet stable, so that produces an earthquake that we call aftershocks.) 

Bacolcol also advised affected residents to consult with civil engineers and not to enter their houses if they showed visible cracks after the earthquake. 

“Kung nasa evacuation centers sila, manatili muna, and consult civil engineers kung safe na bang pumasok sa mga bahay nila. Kasi kung may visible cracks o visible damage, baka kung hindi ito gumuho during the main shock, kapag may malakas tayong aftershock ay baka mag-collapse ito,” he said. 

(Stay in evacuation centers and consult with civil engineers if it is already safe to go back to their houses. Because if there are visible cracks or visible damage, if their houses didn’t collapse during the main shock, it might collapse when a strong aftershock hits.) 

The magnitude 7.4 earthquake hit Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur on Saturday evening, causing PHIVOLCS to issue a tsunami alert.

The tsunami warning was lifted early Sunday morning.

Several houses and infrastructure in Mindanao sustained damage following the strong quake. —KBK, GMA Integrated News