The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum reported that over 5,000 aftershocks have been recorded by DOST-PHIVOLCS following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu on September 30.

In an interview on DZRH’s Special on Saturday, Solidum said the high number of aftershocks was expected, particularly within the first three days after the main quake. “Normal po ‘yan… Expected natin na sa unang araw napakarami.”

Solidum explained that the aftershocks in Cebu will become less frequent in the coming days. However, he emphasized that while the activity will taper off, it does not mean that aftershocks will completely stop, even after a week has passed since the earthquake.

“Kasi pag kumilos ang isang fault nang malakihan tulad no’ng isang gabi, parang bus ‘yan na malaki na pag nag-break ay hindi agad full stop. Gagalaw-galaw pa ‘yan kaya nagkakaroon ng aftershocks,” he explained, using an analogy to describe the lingering ground movement. “Naga-adjust pa yung bloke ng northern Cebu dahil sa pagkilos ng fault.”

According to Solidum, DOST-PHIVOLCS has named the fault line involved as the “Bogo Bay Fault,” noting that while the epicenter of the earthquake was offshore, the ground rupture extended inland and is currently being mapped.

Moreover, the latest death toll has risen to 70, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), with 559 reported injured and no individuals reported missing.