Over 1.7K aftershocks logged after Surigao earthquake

At least 1,726 aftershocks have been logged since a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur over the weekend, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported  Monday.

In its latest earthquake bulletin, Phivolcs said the aftershocks ranged from 1.4 to 6.6 magnitude, 351 of which were plotted while 17 were felt tremors.

In a television interview, Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said aftershocks are still expected in the next few weeks. 

"'Yung dahilan ng aftershocks natin naga-adjust pa 'yung mga bato. So habang naga-adjust pa siya hindi pa stable so nagpo-produce 'yan ng lindol na tinatawag natin na aftershocks (Aftershocks happen because the rocks are still adjusting. So while they are still adjusting, the rocks are not yet stable, so that produces earthquakes we call aftershocks)," Bacolcol said.

He advised affected residents to consult with civil engineers to assess any visible cracks in their homes due to the earthquake. 

"Kung nasa evacuation centers sila, manatili muna, and consult civil engineers kung safe na bang pumasok sa mga bahay nila. Kasi kung may visible cracks o visible damage, baka kung hindi ito gumuho during the main shock, kapag may malakas tayong aftershock ay baka mag-collapse ito (Stay in evacuation centers and consult with civil engineers if it is already safe to go back to their houses. Because if there are visible cracks or visible damage, their houses may not have collapsed during the main shock but it might collapse when a strong aftershock hits)," said Bacolcol. 

A magnitude 6.8 also struck offshore in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur, damaging several houses and infrastructure in the area.

 Meanwhile, Phivolcs has already lifted the tsunami warning raised following the Surigao quake.