7.9-quake off Philippines triggers tsunami alert

Associated Press: 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.

Diane Smith, member of Incarnation Lutheran Church, greets Shinji Nagashima in Columbia, South Carolina. Nagashima and his son, Keiichiro Nagashima, pictured in background, are visiting South Carolina Lutheran churches to thank them for their support during the tsunami. The Lutheran churches of S.C. contributed more than $104,000 to the relief efforts. A tsunami alert has been issued during his visit for the same area today Aug. 31,2012. (C. Aluka Berry/The State/MCT)

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

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