The 6.3-magnitude earthquake that hit Mindanao Wednesday evening can be possibly attributed to the movement of a still unnamed local fault in North Cotabato.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology science research assistant Maila Advincula said they are continuously tracing and mapping the specific fault segment that generated the strong earthquake.
So far, Phivolcs has recorded 251 small- to moderate-sized aftershocks in Southern Mindanao.
Advincula said 124 of these tremors have been plotted to their original source, which is Tulunan, North Cotabato. The aftershocks have magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 5.5.
Of the located tremors, she said only two were felt, one of which was a 5.5-magnitude earthquake.
The earthquakes occurred at shallow depths, thus, strong shaking was felt, especially during the 6.3-magnitude main shock.
Phivolcs warned the public that aftershocks, mostly with smaller magnitudes, may persist for several days to weeks.
It also appealed to the public to refrain from “sharing or believing messages from unconfirmed and unreliable sources.”
Phivolcs reiterated that the agency cannot predict exactly when or where large earthquakes will occur.
“Please do not send or forward any information that may further cause confusion and fear to those who could receive the message,” it said.
Instead, it advised the public to stay calm and be alert. (Ellalyn Ruiz)
