Magnitude 6.9 earthquake shakes Philippines

Manila: A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 struck southwest of the Philippine city of Tacloban on Thursday,  the US Geological Survey said.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injury from the quake, which hit at a depth of 41 km (26 miles) about 580 km (360 miles) southwest of the capital, Manila.

There are estimated to be 3 million people within 100km of the quake's epicentre.

The strong, shallow temblor sent residents running from their home, according to local media.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said it expected "some damage" and aftershocks.

However, there were no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties.

The US Geological Survey said it was centered near Masarayao in Leyte province at a depth of 6.5 kilometres.

Shallow earthquakes generally cause more damage. Local residents reported strong shaking and said people fled from their houses, and some were knocked over.