7.9-quake off Philippines triggers tsunami alert

MANILA, Philippines // A 7.9-magnitude undersea quake struck off the eastern coast of the Philippines late Friday, triggering tsunami warnings across a wide swath of Asia. There were no immediate reports of damage or injury.

A tsunami alert was in effect for the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan, Guam, the Northern Marianas and Papua New Guinea, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

The quake hit at a depth of 34.9 kilometers (21.7 miles) and was centered 106 kilometers (66 miles) east of Samar Island, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

The head of the Philippine seismology agency, Renato Solidum, said his bureau recorded a preliminary magnitude of 7.7. He said that residents living along the coastline of eastern Samar Island were advised to evacuate to high ground in case of the tsunami.