Tremor Rattles South RP, China Too

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 21, 2008) – An earthquake measuring 6.0 in the Richter scale rattled the southern Philippines, but there were no reports of serious damages to buildings and structures.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the tremor was detected at around 10.10 p.m. on Thursday about 170 km southeast of Davao in southern Mindanao island or 1,125 km southeast of Manila.

Filipino seismologists said the Philippines lies in the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire," where tremors, some caused by volcanic activity, are common.

China was also struck by a 7.2 magnitude quake at 6:33 a.m. Friday. It was traced about 225 km southeast of Hotan City in Xinjiang province, the US Geological Survey said.

There were also no reports of casualties or damages to Chinese structures. (Mindanao Examiner)