Quake rocks southern RP

Quake rocks southern RP

MANILA (AFP): A moderately strong earthquake shook large parts of the main southern Philippine island of Mindano on Monday causing widespread panic, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

State seismologist Aimee Guano said the temblor registered 6.6 on the Richter scale and its epicenter was beneath the town of Mati in southern Davao del Sur province.

"It was caused by the movement of the Philippine trench. We have not received reports of damage but we are expecting aftershocks," said Guano.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology director Raymundo Punongbayan said no tsunamis were expected although "very old structures" might be damaged. Guano said the earthquake was also felt in the nearby provinces of Davao del Norte, Kidapawan, Surigao and General Santos city.

In General Santos city, people rushed out of their homes as the tremors began. One resident said a chandelier in his home swayed violently, books were thrown off of shelves and glasses shaken off tables.