Quake hits northern Philippines, no damage reported

MANILA (AFP) Apr 08, 2003
An earthquake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale hit the coast of the northern Philippines early Tuesday but caused no damage, government officials said.

The quake, with its epicentre about 480 kilometers (300 miles) north of Manila, hit at about 1:43 am (1743 GMT Monday), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The earthquake was tectonic in origin and originated off the northern coast of the main island of Luzon, Phivolcs said, adding it was felt in the northernmost provinces of the island.

Disaster relief agencies said the quake was mild and not strong enough to jolt people from their sleep. There were no reports of damage or casualties.

SPACE.WIRE