24 aftershocks follow 6.6 magnitude quake in Masbate

Phivolcs seismic instruments recorded a series of aftershocks within four hours period (8:23 to 12:11) with magnitudes ranging from 1.6 to 3.8.

The strongest aftershock, with 3.8 magnitude, was recorded after almost 20 minutes following the major 6.6 magnitude earthquake that hit the town that damaged several commercial buildings, the town parish church, town pier, and roads.

Paul Alanis, Phivolcs resident volcanologist in Albay, said aftershocks were expected whenever a strong earthquake occurs.

He explained that the series of aftershocks that hit the town with varied magnitudes could still be felt with an intensity of 2.

Venus Rojo, head of Cataingan disaster office, said in a phone interview that retired Police Senior Superintendent Gilbert Sauro is the only fatality recorded in the quake as of Tuesday afternoon.

Sauro was pinned down by fallen debris when his three-story villa collapsed in Barangay Concepcion. Members of his family were able to flee when the quake struck.

LZB

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