Phivolcs: At least 41 aftershocks recorded after quake; more expected

MANILA, Philippines — At least 41 minor aftershocks have been recorded after the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that struck parts of Luzon Monday, a Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) official said.

Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum said that there is a possibility of more aftershocks, although they may be generally weaker than the first movement.

“Posible pang magkaroon aftershocks sa mga susunod na oras at araw, pero habang tumatagal ay dapat dumalang ito, at of course, ‘yong fault na ‘yan ay hindi naman malaki, ‘yong kumilos kanina, so we expect that it would die down,” Solidum said in an interview with DZMM.

(It’s possible that more aftershocks will be felt in the next few hours or days. But it should weaken over time. Of course, the fault is not big; we expect it would eventually die down.)

However, he urged people to stay alert and prepared for these situations.

“But syempre, ito ‘yong ating analysis, but it is still important na parati tayong handa in case na magkaroon ng lindol na pwedeng manggaling sa mga fault sa paligid ng Luzon. Dapat handa pa rin tayo,” Solidum said.

(This is our analysis. But it is still important that we are always ready in case another quake strikes. It may come from the fault around Luzon. We should be prepared at all times.)

Out of the 41 aftershocks, the strongest was a magnitude 3.0 recorded 19 kilometers northwest of Olongapo City in Zambales. This occurred four minutes after the first quake.

“As of 7:00 p.m., mga 41 aftershocks. Mas mahina, at ang pinaka-mataas ay ang Magnitude 3 na nangyari noong 5:15 p.m.,” he said.

(As of 7:00 p.m., there were about 41 aftershocks but weaker than the first movement. The strongest recorded so far is magnitude 3.0 at around 5:15 p.m.)

Earlier, Phivolcs reported that a tectonic earthquake was the cause of the movements in Luzon, including cities in Metro Manila.

In Pampanga, eight were reported dead, according to Governor Lilia Pineda. /ee

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