Manila, Philippines, Mar 6: Officials say an earthquake in the central Philippines has caused cracks in buildings and sent people rushing out of houses, offices and hospitals in a panic, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.
Renato Solidum, who heads the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, says the quake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.2 struck Tuesday morning and was centered just 1.8 miles (three kilometers) north of Masbate City on the central island province of Masbate. The quake was felt in nearby provinces.
Masbate City Mayor Socrates Tuason tells The Associated Press by telephone that there are no immediate reports of major damage.
