Strong quake rocks Philippines: seismologists
A powerful earthquake measuring 6.9 struck off the east coast of the Philippines late Monday, seismologists said.
The quake struck at 10:11 pm (1411 GMT) 210 kilometres (130 miles) east of Legaspi at a depth of 24 km, according to the US Geological Survey.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in its initial report measured the earthquake at 6.5 and traced its epicentre off the central Philippine province of Northern Samar.
Varying intensities were felt, mostly on the eastern seaboard and in the Bicol region, the institute said.
"We have not received any reports of damage but we are monitoring," a seismologist at the institute said.
Officials at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said there was little risk of a tsunami, but issued a routine watch for large wave activity in the area.
