Earthquake of magnitude 5.6 strikes northern Philippines

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck the northern Philippines on Wednesday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said, as authorities warned of damage and aftershocks from the tremor.

The quake was at a depth of 37 km (23 miles), GFZ said.

Philippine seismology agency PHIVOLCS said the quake struck the northern town of Bangui in Ilocos province and warned of aftershocks and damage from the quake.

There were no immediate reports of damage from the tremor.

Bangui town disaster officer Fidel Cimatu said authorities are checking communities for damage.

"It wasn't that strong. But the shaking lasted a bit long," Cimatu said by telephone.

Earthquakes are common in the Philippines, which lies on the so-called "Ring of Fire", a belt of volcanoes circling the Pacific Ocean that is prone to seismic activity. REUTERS