The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has so far recorded 238 aftershocks following the 7.1-magnitude offshore earthquake in Davao Oriental on Aug. 12.
As of 7 a.m., Friday, Aug. 13, Science and Technology Undersecretary and Phivolcs OIC Renato Solidum said that of the 238 aftershocks recorded, 122 were plotted or located close to the epicenter of the mainshock in the municipality of Governor Generoso, in the province of Davao Oriental.
Moderately strong aftershocks measuring 5.1, 5.3, and 5.1 were recorded at 11:42 p.m. on Aug. 12 and 4:17 a.m. and 4:28 a.m. on Aug. 13, respectively.
Phivolcs advised the public to remain vigilant as aftershocks are still likely to occur in the next few days.
Solidum said the 7.1-magnitude earthquake was likely generated by the Philippine Trench.
Eastern Mindanao, where Davao Oriental is a part of, is one of the most seismically active areas in the country because of the Philippine Fault and Philippine Trench, which are the main earthquake generators that can affect the area, Phivolcs said.
Other local faults, which can be sources of small- to large-magnitude earthquakes are also present in this part of the country.