PHIVOLCS records 113 aftershocks from Davao Occidental magnitude 6.8 quake

A total of 113 aftershocks were recorded from the magnitude 6.8 earthquake that hit Davao Occidental on November 17, 2023, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

“As of 12 noon [Tuesday], we recorded 113 aftershocks and out of 113 aftershocks, anim dito ang naramdaman. ‘Yung magnitude nagra-range from magnitude 1.4 to 4.9. Basically, pinakamataas na aftershocks na na-record natin ay 4.9,” PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol said at a public briefing.

(As of 12 noon today, we recorded 113 aftershocks and out of 113 aftershocks, six were felt. The magnitudes were ranging from magnitude 1.4 to 4.9. The strongest aftershock recorded was 4.9.)

He said aftershocks could last several days and weeks, but it gradually weakens.

Bacolcol noted the Cotabato Trench caused the magnitude 6.8 quake, and it was the same earthquake generator that caused the 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake.

“There was a magnitude 8.1 earthquake on August 17, 1976, it happened past midnight and it produced a tsunami that is as high as 9 meters in just two to five minutes,” he said.

There were over 8,000 casualties recorded in the 1976 quake.

“We are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, whether we like it or not, we’ll experience strong earthquakes from time to time so we have to prepare. Ang lindol naman po ay hindi nakakamatay, it is a collapse of manmade structures that may claim lives,” Bacolcol reminded the public.

(The earthquake itself does not kill people.)

“Kaya pag nagpagawa po tayo ng bahay, we should follow the standards at huwag po nating tipirin dahil para na rin ito sa ating kaligtasan. Kapag natayo na ating bahay, i-retrofit para maging earthquake resilient,” he added.

(So, when we build a house, we should follow the standards and don't skimp on the budget because it's for your safety. Once the house is built, it must be retrofitted to be earthquake resilient.) — DVM, GMA Integrated News