The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has clarified why the earthquake in Cebu appeared to be more destructive compared to the one in Davao Oriental.
It was noted that the Cebu quake registered at magnitude 6.9, while the Davao quake was stronger at magnitude 7.4.
According to PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol, the stronger impact in Cebu was due to its shallow depth of only 5 kilometers, whereas the Davao quake originated much deeper at 23 kilometers.
He explained that seismic energy travels upward from the underground source, and as it rises, its strength weakens.
In the case of the Davao Oriental quake, much of the energy had already dissipated before reaching the surface, as it originated 23 kilometers deep.
The Cebu tremor struck at the end of September, while the successive quakes in Davao occurred yesterday morning and again last night.
(PHOTO COURTESY: Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol Bantayan)
