Strong quake hits off Philippines coast

MANILA: A 6.4magnitude earthquake hit off the northern coast of the Philippines on Sunday, local seismologists said, but there were no immediate reports of any damage or casualties. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said there was no  immediate tsunami alert, but said it was continuing to monitor northern areas. The quake was located 117 kilometres (70 miles) northeast of Laoag city in Luzon island at a depth of 50 kilometres, the institute said. The United States Geological Survey recorded the quake as magnitude 6.0,and said it struck at a depth of 36 kilometres.