Earthquake hits the Philippines

Earthquake hits the Philippines

MANILA (AP): A strong earthquake struck the northern Philippines early yesterday but there were no immediate reports of injuries or serious damage, officials said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the quake, which registered an initial magnitude of 5.7, struck at 7:31 a.m. and was centered at sea about 54 kilometers southeast of Palanan in Isabela province.

Seismologists said the quake was caused by the movement of tectonic plates in the East Luzon Trench. No tsunami waves were expected but residents were cautioned that aftershocks were possible, seismologists added.

Palanan is about 320 kilometers northeast of Manila. An earthquake with a magnitude of 5 is considered strong and can cause considerable damage if it hits a heavily populated area.