An earthquake of a 6.8 magnitude hit Central Philippines today triggering landslides and destroying buildings. Reports said 5 persons were killed and 29 others went missing after the quake.

The quake, which hit the narrow strait off Negros Island, caused a land slide in Guihulngan, a city of about 180,000 people in Negros Oriental province. 30 houses were completely buried in the landslide.

The quake, which occurred exactly at 11-49 am local time (0349 GMT), caused second landslide in the mountain village of Solongon in La Libertad town. An unspecified number of people were trapped in the debris, according to reports.

The Philippines, located in the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ where earthquakes and volcanic activity are common, was rocked by a 7.7-magnitude quake in 1990 and 2000 persons lost their lives. (JUBS)