Strong 6.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Central Philippines, Aftershocks Expected

6.7 Magnitude earthquake hits central Philippines on Aug. 18, 2020. (Screenshot/USGS)

A very strong 6.7 magnitude earthquake has been reported in the Central Philippines.

The significant quake hit Masbate Province at 8:03 a.m. local time on Tuesday.

The shallow quake had an epicenter of 10 kilometers depth, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

No tsunami warnings have been issued.

At 8:23 a.m., a 3.8 magnitude aftershock was reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The institute said damage and further aftershocks are expected.

Phivolcs also issued a reminder that an “Alert Level 1” remains in place for areas surrounding the Taal volcano in Batangas Province, 100 kilometers south of the capital of Manila, which has experienced five earthquakes in the last 24 hours.

The Level 1 alert warns of “sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas” that can occur and threaten areas around the volcanic island.

The institute “strongly recommends” entry into the danger zones around the volcano “must remain strictly prohibited,” according to the notice.