Manila, Philippines – During the last 11 days, the Philippines have been jolted by 3 strong earthquakes.
On September 30th, Bogo City in Cebu was disrupted by a magnitude 6.9 earthquake—the deadliest quake in the country since 2013, leaving 72 fatalities and thousands of aftershocks.
Pugo, La Union on October 9 was hit by a magnitude 4.4 quake, while Davao Oriental was shook by a magnitude 7.4 tremor.
While Filipinos naturally became distressed over the consecutive earthquakes, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) assures the public that these tremors have no connection with each other.
In a press briefing on Friday, Phivolcs Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol clarified that the recent strong earthquakes are mere coincidence.
He noted that the Philippines is especially prone to earthquakes as it lies on the Pacific ring of Fire, with high volcanic and seismic activities.
There are at least 30 active fault systems in the country, five are major fault lines which generate earthquakes.
Bacolcol explained that Cebu, La Union, and Davao Oriental are geographically far from each other to be related with each other.
Cebu quake was generated by the Bogo Bay Fault, La Union tremor by the Philippine fault, while Davao one generated by the Philippine Trench.
Bacolcol added that aside from being earthquake prone, the Philippines is also prone to volcanic activities and eruptions, as well as tsunami threats.
He then reminded the public that instead of fear, they should intensify their preparations for these kinds of disasters.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News