7.2 magnitude earthquake shakes south Philippines

MANILA: A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Saturday, forcing thousands to flee buildings and stay away from beaches, but no tsunami occurred as initially feared. The tremor’s epicentre was located at sea 162 kilometres south-east of Governor Generoso town in the southern province of Davao Oriental, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. The quake was felt strongest  at intensity 5 in Governor Genoroso and nearby Sarangani province and Koronadal City, the institute said. It warned the public to be on alert for “unusual waves” that could hit 10 provinces and one city in the southern region of Midnanao up to three hours after the quake. — DPA