Phivolcs: 390 aftershocks, so far, from Davao de Oro earthquake

Davao de Oro earthquake. Image from Phivolcs

MANILA, Philippines — The number of aftershocks following the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck Davao de Oro rose to 390 on Thursday, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).      

The earthquake struck New Bataan in Davao de Oro on Wednesday, and was felt at Intensity V in some areas, which is classified by state seismologists as “very strong”. 

As of 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, Phivolcs has recorded a total of 390 aftershocks ranging from magnitude 1.3 to 3.6. 

“At least nine strong to great earthquakes ranging from magnitude 6.0 to magnitude 8.3 occurred in Davao de Oro and vicinity from 1891 to present based on the [Southeast Asia Association of Seismology and EarthquakeEngineering]  Report and Phivolcs Earthquake Catalog,” said the institute in a primer.

Phivolcs explained that this is due to several active fault lines located in East Compostela Valley, West Compostela Valley, Central Compostela Valley, Nabunturan, Caraga River, and more, making Davao de Oro “one of the seismically active regions in the country.

Residents in the area are warned that minor to light aftershocks may follow in the coming weeks, as well landslides and rock falls. 

Liquefaction is also a threat, which is when “sediments, especially near bodies of water, behave like liquid similar to a quicksand”, according to Phivolcs’ website.

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