Aftershocks now at 1,581; may continue for weeks to months - Phivolcs

MANILA, Philippines - More aftershocks may be expected in Central Visayas in the coming weeks following the powerful earthquake that struck Bohol province on Tuesday.

As of 5 a.m. on Friday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has recorded 1,581 aftershocks but only 29 were felt.

The strongest aftershock so far was a magnitude 5.5 earthquake recorded in Tagbilaran City, Bohol on Thursday morning.

Phivolcs had said that aftershocks of the major Bohol quake are expected. Authorities had also advised the public to be calm since a massive quake is normally followed by smaller tremors.

"These may continue for weeks to months, but diminishing in number and strength as time passes. In this case, a higher magnitude earthquake related to this event is no longer expected to occur," the agency said.

At 8:12 a.m. Tuesday, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit Bohol province with an epicenter traced at Sagbayan town. Intensity 7 was felt in Tagbilaran City and Cebu City.

The massive quake has killed 171 people so far, most of whom were from Bohol. Over 300 people are also injured while 20 others remain missing.

The earthquake has affected more than 3.4 million people in seven cities after damaging thousands of houses, 35 bridges, 10 roads, and several centuries-old churches.