Powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake smashes Philippines hours after Hawaii quake

The quake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale rattled the Catanduanes province early this morning, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) said.  The tremor struck around 2.19pm local time (7.19am GMT), with its epicenter around 69km northwest of Pandan, Catanduanes. Tremors

were felt miles away from its epicenter, with residents in the municipalities of Guinayangan, Quezon and Sorsogon City experiencing powerful shaking. Although no major damage is expected to buildings, locals have been warned of strong aftershocks. Tremors were even felt as far as the country’s capital, Manila. It comes just hours after Hawaii was hit by a 6.9-magnitude quake.  READ MORE