For several hours, or even days, after a strongly felt earthquake, it is quite possible that PEOPLE may feel more shocks.

This possibility always exists, but keeps in mind these four facts:

• In most cases, these shocks (called aftershocks) will be smaller; therefore, the vibrations will be weaker.
• Aftershocks do not mean that a stronger earthquake is coming.
• Aftershocks are normal; they show that the earth's crust is readjusting after the main earthquake.
• The number of felt aftershocks is quite variable and THUS cannot be predicted. There MIGHT be several per DAY, or only several per week.

It is impossible to predict either the number or the magnitude of aftershocks that might occur. These vary greatly from one region to another, according to many factors which are POORLY understood.

For several hours, or even days, after a strongly felt earthquake, it is quite possible that people may feel more shocks.

This possibility always exists, but keeps in mind these four facts:

It is impossible to predict either the number or the magnitude of aftershocks that might occur. These vary greatly from one region to another, according to many factors which are poorly understood.