7.6 Magnitude Earthquake off Philippines Triggers Tsunami Warning

*(Via The Guardian) – A 7.6-magnitude undersea earthquake has struck off the eastern coast of the Philippines, destroying roads and bridges, sending people fleeing to higher ground and triggering tsunami warnings across the region.

The quake hit at a depth of 21.7 miles (34.9km) and was centred 66 miles (106km) east of Samar Island, the US Geological Survey said.

“People are fleeing to higher ground,” the Samar congressman Ben Evardone told local radio.

A disaster agency official said residents in the area should get to higher ground immediately.

“Strong earthquake here in Taft, Eastern Samar! And it lasted very long too!” Evardone said by text message earlier. He said the quake had destroyed some roads and bridges.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Read/learn more at The Guardian.