By Katrina Gracia Consebido
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded over 500 aftershocks following the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that hit Masbate on Feb. 16.
As of 3:00 p.m. Saturday, Phivolcs logged a total of 524 aftershocks and plotted 105 earthquakes.
Of the number, only 30 were felt. Magnitudes range from 1.3 to 4.6.
According to Phivolcs, the last strong earthquake that occurred in the province was a 6.6-magnitude tremor on Aug. 18, 2020.
Phivolcs said that Masbate is “one seismically active” region in the country and has active faults, including the Masbate and Sibuyan Sea Segments of the Philippine fault.
“We can expect aftershocks to occur in the epicentral area, but occurrences of moderate aftershocks are not discounted. These may continue for several days to weeks, some of which may be felt,” Phivolcs said.
Phivolcs advised the public to be wary of damaged infrastructures and prepare for aftershocks.
“In case of another strongly felt earthquake, it is recommended that people protect themselves by doing the ‘drop, cover, and hold’,” it said.
“In homes and offices, heavy furniture and appliances should be strapped to the walls, and hanging objects securely fastened to prevent these from causing injuries,” it added.
The 6.0-magnitude quake struck the province of Masbate on Thursday and had an epicenter located 11 kilometers (km) southwest of Batuan, Masbate with an estimated depth of 10 km. – gb
