THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) yesterday warned of more aftershocks in connection with the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Abra last week.
Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said the agency has recorded at least 2,400 aftershocks since the July 27 quake, the strongest of which is magnitude 5.1 that was recorded last Monday.
“These aftershocks are really expected,” said Solidum during the “Laging Handa” press briefing, adding that the number of the aftershocks have been declining since powerful quake took place.
Solidum said the number of aftershocks are expected to further decrease. He said residents should remain alert, noting that some of the aftershocks will be strong.
“The strongest aftershock was magnitude 5.1 and it was felt at intensity 5. It did not cause additional damage to structures,” he also said.
However, he said, an aftershock could cause movements of soil in areas affected by quake-induced landslides.
“We have to be prepared for strong aftershocks with Intensity 6 shaking. That poses danger to houses and buildings that were already damaged,” said Solidum.
“That is why it’s necessary not to use (the damaged houses and buildings) until they are repaired,” said Solidum.
In an interview, Solidum said the aftershocks may continue in the next several weeks or even months.
“Aftershocks can continue for several weeks to months with a decrease in frequency and typically lower magnitudes. However, there will be occurrences of higher than common but should be lower than the main shock,” said Solidum.
The death toll from the quake remained at 10 people while the number of injured increased to 410 as of yesterday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.
The quake affected 109,009 families or 421,728 individuals in Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos region and Cagayan Valley. Of the number, 17,810 families or 65,858 individuals are still displaced.
NDRRMC said the cost of damage to infrastructure was placed at P1.26 billion while damage to agriculture was pegged at P19.7 million. This is on top of 28,788 damaged houses.
Meanwhile, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake hit Davao Oriental yesterday, Phivolcs said, adding aftershocks are expected.
The quake occurred at 3:19 a.m. Its epicenter was 51 km southeast of Manay town in Davao Oriental. It was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 5.6 km.
The shaking was felt at Intensity IV in Manay, Tarragona, and Caraga towns in Davao Oriental; Intensity III in Mati City and Baganga town in Davao Oriental; and Intensity II in Davao City.
Phivolcs said it was not expecting damage from the quake.
