I'm far from and expert but I believe it would lean more toward relieving pressure for the near future but that really only applies to the specific area where the quake was. Earthquakes are caused by two of the earth's plates moving in opposite directions over time. Obviously there is tremendous friction between the plates and they are somewhat elastic to and extent and can bend as long as the friction of the two plates is strong enough to keep them stationary. Eventually, though, the plates will have reached their maximum bending point and the friction will be overcome causing the edge of the plates to slip to where they "should" be based on the movement of the plates. This causes the earthquake. And obviously it typically doesn't settle perfectly with one big movement so smaller aftershocks are caused as the plates settle in. Then the slow process of plate movement builds toward another eventual earthquake.
Earthquakes are highly unpredictable though. As far as I know, no one knows how an earthquake in one area could affect the fault lines in another area. You can't really predict when they'll happen. I know in the Bay Area we're "overdue" for a big one and logic would indicate that the longer we go without one the more pressure is being built and the bigger the eventual slip will be once the friction of the plates is overcome. But who the hell knows. There are hundreds and hundreds of earthquakes daily, most of which you don't notice. Perhaps tons of smaller ones are small releases in pressure preventing a big one. Earthquakes are one of those things where science is clueless as to predicting them and even predicting their after effects or their impact on areas.
Its times like these where I think to myself that I really need to get some emergency readiness kits to have around the house. I always manage to put it off and never do it but once the big one hits it could be a life and death difference. People expect to be rescued or have somewhere to go but there is ALWAYS a time period where you're just on your own. Be ready people.
