Davao de Oro quake: Phivolcs logs 882 aftershocks

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 882 aftershocks of the magnitude 6.0 quake that struck Compostela, Davao de Oro on Wednesday were recorded as of 2 p.m. yesterday.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said 77 aftershocks were plotted or events that were located by three or more seismic stations.

Phivolcs said the aftershocks had magnitudes ranging from 1.5 to 3.6, two of which were felt by residents.

The magnitude 6.0 quake struck two kilometers southwest of Compostela at around 6:44 p.m. on Wednesday.

The shaking was felt strongest at Intensity 6, which is classified as very strong, in Compostela, Mawab, Monkayo, Montevista, Nabunturan and New Bataan in Davao de Oro as well as in Asuncion, Carmen, Kapalong, New Corella, Island Garden City of Samal, San Isidro, Sto. Tomas and Tagum in Davao del Norte.

Phivolcs said the temblor may generate more aftershocks.

Davao de Oro in Eastern Mindanao is one of the seismically active regions in the country due to the presence of several active faults, the agency said. These are the East Compostela Valley, West Compostela Valley, Central Compostela Valley, Nabunturan, Caraga River and Mati segments of the Philippine Fault.

More schools damaged

Meanwhile, more schools in Davao reported infrastructure damage due to the quake.

Data as of Friday night showed that the damaged schools increased from 14 to 38 as of Friday night. The cost of rehabilitation was estimated at P68.5 million.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has yet to release the complete list of the schools.

DepEd spokesman Michael Poa said students in affected schools would shift to alternative or distance learning mode to ensure that classes will not be disrupted.

Temporary learning spaces will be set up in schools with major infrastructure damage, he added.

Damage to other infrastructure due to the quake has reached P18 million, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported yesterday.

In a disaster media bulletin, the NDRRMC said 134 structures were damaged. No roads or bridges were affected.

Ninety-five houses were damaged.

The NDRRMC said 83 families or 340 people were affected by the quake.

Power outages were recorded in three areas while no major interruptions in communication and water supply were reported in the affected areas. – Jose Rodel Clapano, Janvic Mateo