6.1 quake jolts eastern Philippines; No casualties

A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake was detected off the eastern Philippines Saturday, but there were no immediate reports of any damage or casualties, authorities said.

The epicenter of the quake—which struck at 2:19 p.m. local time (0619 GMT)—was about 310 kilometers (190 miles) east of the capital Manila in the Philippine Sea, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

The US Geological Survey reported that the earthquake was 6.1-magnitude, but Philippine authorities said it was 5.9-magnitude.

The USGS said the epicenter was at a depth of 17.9 km.

Local authorities in areas close to the epicenter said the tremors were not strong enough to cause serious damage. AFP