Bogo Bay Fault identified as source of M6.9 earthquake that killed 68 in Cebu

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has identified the newly named Bogo Bay Fault as the source of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Bogo City, Cebu.

PHIVOLCS observed fault scarps, open cracks, and a 2-meter-wide deformation zone, with initial mapping indicating about 200 meters of surface rupture that may extend up to 1.5 kilometers and shows signs of right-lateral movement.

The earthquake has resulted in 68 fatalities and 559 injuries according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

A total of 366,360 people, or 80,595 families, were affected by the earthquake.

PHIVOLCS has recorded a total of 4,378 aftershocks following the earthquake, with 21 of these being felt and ranging in strength from magnitude 1.0 to 5.1.

The agency warns that aftershocks could continue for weeks, although their frequency and magnitude are expected to decrease over time.

The NDRRMC has advised the public to avoid returning to their houses until authorities declare them safe, and PHIVOLCS urges continued vigilance for strong aftershocks and reliance on official information.