Strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake rocks Philippines, triggering tsunami warning

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - A strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Mindanao region of the Philippines on Friday, prompting the issuance of a tsunami warning, according to the Philstar newspaper.

The quake occurred at a depth of 58.1 kilometers (36 miles) said the US Geological Survey.

It struck off the eastern coast of Mindanao island at 9.43 am local time (0143GMT).

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued a tsunami warning for coastal areas of eastern and southern Philippines, advising communities to stay alert for possible tsunami waves.

Following the quake, the Davao City government announced the suspension of classes at all levels both at public and private schools to allow for a rapid assessment of damage to infrastructure and facilities.

Separately, a 6.0 magnitude quake struck 144 kilometers (89 miles) south-southeast of the town of Lorengau in Manus province of Paua New Guinea at 0208GMT at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), according to the US Geological Survey.