Phivolcs warns of more aftershocks from Negros earthquake

MANILA, Philippines—The head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned Wednesday that aftershocks would continue to be felt in the coming weeks in the areas affected by last Monday’s strong earthquake in Negros Oriental and other parts of the Visayas.

Phivolcs director Dr. Renato Solidum told reporters of the need to closely examine the structural integrity of houses and buildings in the affected places as well as the slopes of mountains where more landslides could occur.

“What are we expecting? It’s possible that these aftershocks would continue for weeks,” Solidum told reporters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Terminal 3.

“The trend is that these aftershocks would decrease in strength,” he added.

Still, Solidum urged that buildings and houses in the affected areas be closely examined.

Structures that sustained serious damage, such as cracked columns and beams, pose a danger to life and limb in the face of aftershocks, he said.

He also called on the public to watch out for more landslides on mountainslopes as the earthquake, which triggered at least two landslides, could have loosened the ground, making more landslides possible.

Solidum was with Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo en route to Dumaguete City to join President Benigno Aquino in assessing the damage and what needs to be done following Monday’s 6.9-magnitude earthquake.