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.