6.8-magnitude quake shakes Philippines today

6.8-magnitude quake shakes Philippines today

Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines today, killing a child and triggering a local tsunami alert.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued the tsunami alert for the central Philippines, saying the quake, which hit in a narrow strait just off Negros Island, could trigger a 3-foot wave along the island’s eastern coast as well as west of Cebu City, the country’s second largest.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not issue a wider regional warning.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was centered 44 miles north of Dumaguete city on Negros and hit at a depth of 29 miles.

People rushed out of schools, malls and offices during the quake. Officials in some areas suspended work and canceled classes.

A child died when a concrete fence of a house collapsed in Taysan town in Negros Oriental province, said Benito Ramos, who heads the Office of Civil Defense.