The 6.9 magnitude earthquake occurred this morning at 10:59 off the Philippines. The quake has shaken buildings in Taiwan. Currently there is no building damage or tsunami alerts. Possible local phenomena of high tides, within 100 km from the epicentre.

Taipei (AsiaNews / Agencies) - An earthquake measuring 6.9 struck an ocean area north of the Philippines this morning. The earthquake occurred this morning at 10:59 local time and was felt on the island of Taiwan, shaking public buildings and private homes. Currently there are no reports of damage or injury, or a tsunami alert.

The epicentre of the quake was located about 300 km off the Batan Islands,  in the Philippines, and 314 km south-east of Taiwan. The Philippine authorities have warned people living near the coast of a possible sudden rise in tides. However it seems unlikely that have been any damage or injuries. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre adds that there could "possibly" be  small tidal waves locally, within 100 km from of the earthquake epicentre.

The United States Geological Survey reports that the quake occurred at a depth of 10 km. For Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau, however, the epicentre of the quake occurred 20 km deep, with an intensity of 6.6 on the Richter scale.

The Taiwan authorities explain that the quake rocked the buildings, but there were no structural damage. The island is often the scene of violent earthquakes, which originate from the fault that crosses the Pacific. One of the most devastating occurred in September 1999 a magnitude 7.6 quake killing 2,400 people and destroying 50 thousand buildings across the island.

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