Strong quake hits off Philippines coast

QX179R SG

MANILA - A 6.4-MAGNITUDE earthquake hit off the northern coast of the Philippines on Sunday, local seismologists said, but there were no immediate reports of any damage or casualties.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said there was no immediate tsunami alert, but said it was continuing to monitor northern areas.

The quake was located 117km north-east of Laoag city in Luzon island at a depth of 50km, the institute said.

The United States Geological Survey recorded the quake as magnitude 6.0, and said it struck at a depth of 36 km.

-- AFP

Medicated Oil SG

There is another quake near taiwan at 1600 hours today.

QX179R SG

There is another quake near taiwan at 1600 hours today.

5.5-quake strikes off Taiwan

TAIPEI : A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck off Taiwan on Sunday shaking buildings in the capital, seismologists said, but there were no reports of damage and a tsunami warning was not issued.

The undersea quake hit at 16:00 local time (0800 GMT) about 44 kilometres (26 miles) southeast of Taitung city in the southeast, at a relatively shallow depth of 17 kilometres, the US Geological Survey said.

Taiwan's Seismology Centre measured the quake at 5.9-magnitude.

Buildings in the Taipei swayed and the quake was felt across the island, but the National Fire Agency said there were no casualties or damage.

Taiwan is regularly hit by earthquakes as the island lies near the junction of two tectonic plates.

In September 1999, a 7.6-magnitude tremor killed around 2,400 people in the deadliest natural disaster in the island's recent history.

- AFP/ms

Mr Milo SG

The End is Nigh!