Magnitude 7.9 quake hits Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Residents were ordered to evacuate to higher ground after a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck several parts of the Visayas and Mindanao last night, triggering a level 3 tsunami alert. The epicenter of the quake, which started at 8:45 p.m., was located at 135 kilometers east of Sulungan, Eastern Samar. The tsunami alert was issued for Samar island, Southern Leyte and Surigao del Norte. A level 3 alert means waves up to 10 meters high are expected. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property. – Helen Flores, Edith Regalado