Aftershocks hit General Santos

MANILA, Philippines – Mild aftershocks hit General Santos City yesterday following the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the area Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

Phivolcs science research specialist Henry Penarubia, however, said the aftershocks were not felt by the residents.

He said the first aftershock was recorded at 4:16 p.m. Sunday with its epicenter traced at 222 kms. southeast of General Santos City.

Yesterday, aftershocks of magnitude 3.8 and 4.9 occurred at 12:23 a.m. and 2:24 a.m., respectively, Penarubia said.

The second and third aftershocks were traced at 162 kms southeast of General Santos and 164 kms southeast of General Santos, respectively, he said.

Phivolcs said it did not issue tsunami alert and there were no reports of damage.

However, Penarubia said aftershocks are still expected.

The Philippines sits on the “Pacific Ring of Fire” where continental plates meet, causing frequent seismic and volcanic activity.

About 20 earthquakes hit the country everyday but only a few are felt, Phivolcs said. – Helen Flores