The 6.6-magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao last Tuesday has triggered close to 300 series of earthquake events in about 24 hours.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) science research assistant Maila Advincula said 294 earthquake events have been recorded as of 7 a.m. Wednesday.
Of these number, 204 were plotted from their original source, while 66 were felt as a weak to moderately strong shaking.
The latest moderate-sized quake was the 5.0-magnitude tremor recorded around 5:22 a.m. on Wednesday.
The quake was felt at Intensity V in Kidapawan City.
Meanwhile, Phivolcs’ instruments recorded the earthquake at Intensity II in Malungon, Sarangani, and Intensity I in Alabel, Sarangani; Tupi, South Cotabato; and Koronadal City.
Phivolcs pointed out that the 6.3-magnitude and 6.6-magnitude quakes that occurred two weeks apart in Mindanao “are part of a sequence of events from interrelated faults in the region.”
It reminded the public that small- to moderate-magnitude earthquakes may continue to occur near the original source of tremors traced in Tulunan, Cotabato. The events “may continue for several days to weeks, some of which may be felt.”
Although the agency is not discounting the possible occurrence of another earthquake higher than 6.6-magnitude, “the possibility of it coming from the same source area is low.”
Phivolcs also advised the people to be cautious of structures visibly weakened or with signs of damage caused by the 6.3-magnitude quake last October 16 and the 6.6-magnitude tremor last October 29, as these may be further damaged by succeeding earthquakes. (Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz)
