Strong earthquake rattles southeastern coast of Philippines

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the southeastern coast of the Philippines around midday Saturday, local time, prompting fears of a tsunami. However, no tsunami was reported.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) initially rated the earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 before the rating was revised to 7.0.

The temblor struck 52 miles (84 km) to the southeast of Pondaguitan, Philippines, with a depth of 37 miles (60 km), according to the USGS.

usgs phlippines earthquake

usgs phlippines earthquake

usgs phlippines earthquake

The location of the earthquake that struck off the coast of the Philippines on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018. (Image/USGS)

The earthquake prompted fears of a tsunami shortly after it struck, with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) stating that tsunami waves of less than 1 foot (0.3 meters) were possible along the coasts of Indonesia, Palau and the Philippines.

At 12:07 a.m. EST Saturday, the PTWC later stated that no tsunami waves were reported at any of the nearby sea-level gauges and that the tsunami threat had passed.

There have been no reports of damage or injuries at this time.

The region remains on high alert following a tsunami triggered by a volcanic landslide that killed over 400 people in Indonesia.

The Philippines are also enduring heavy rainfall from a tropical system, which will last through the weekend.