MANILA, July 27 (PNA) — More aftershocks are possible from the magnitude 5.0 earthquake that struck Antique province this week.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the 3:52 a.m. earthquake there this Wednesday (July 26) was of tectonic origin and struck 31 km south 08° east of Antique’s southernmost Anini-y coastal municipality at a depth of 3.0 km only.
“Phivolcs already recorded, as of 7 a.m. Thursday (July 27), six aftershocks of that offshore earthquake,” said the agency’s science research specialist Hermes Daquipa.
He noted one of those aftershocks was reported felt at intensity 3.8.at a depth of 1.0 km only, he noted.
“We’re expecting aftershocks to still occur,” he said.
Daquipa said movement of the Negros Trench caused this week’s earthquake in Antique.
Sand boils and liquefaction are unlikely from the earthquake, however, he noted.
Phivolcs isn’t expecting damage from the earthquake as well.
“The earthquake wasn’t strong enough to cause ground-shaking that can damage structures on the mainland,” said Daquipa.
He also said the earthquake’s magnitude was insufficient to generate a tsunami.
Daquipa urged the public and LGUs to continue preparing for earthquakes, noting these occur without warning.
“Earthquakes can also occur anytime,” he said.
He said preparation and conformance with the National Building Code are measures the public must undertake as earthquakes are among hazards in the country.
Such risk for earthquakes persists as experts said the Philippines lies in the seismically active belt called Pacific Ring of Fire. (CJT/PNA)
