A strong earthquake struck the central Philippines on Monday, killing a child, destroying buildings, shattering windows and triggering a local tsunami alert that sent residents fleeing.

According to the Associated Press, the 6.8-magnitude quake hit in a narrow strait just off Negros Island. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued the tsunami alert for central islands, saying the quake could trigger a 3-foot (1-meter) wave along the island's eastern coast as well as west of the country's second-largest city, Cebu.

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

The epicenter was closest to Tayasan, a coastal town of about 32,000 people flanked by mountains in Negros Oriental province.

Negros Oriental police chief Edward Carranza said that the temblor damaged many houses in Guihulngan, a city of about 180,000 people, and he ordered his men to help displaced residents find shelter. A public market collapsed and a bridge in the city was damaged.

President Benigno Aquino III's spokesman said authorities did not force people to evacuate but implored those along the shore to be vigilant. The coast guard grounded all vessels while the tsunami alert was in effect.

A mall in San Carlos city in neighboring Negros Occidental province was damaged when its windows were shattered by the shaking, Ramos said. The quake was also felt in Cebu, where it lasted about 30 seconds.

The Philippines is located in the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where earthquakes and volcanic activity are common. A 7.7-magnitude quake killed nearly 2,000 people in Luzon in 1990.
 

 

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