Earthquake in Philippines: Fatalities and many missing

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported a powerful 6.7-magnitude earthquake in Philippines on February 6, 2012 at 03:49 UTC (February 5 at 9:49 p.m. CST), centered on the central Philippine island of Negros. The earthquake took place 356 miles (573 km) south-southeast of Manila. No tsunami warning is in effect.

The powerful earthquake killed at least 15 people, and many are still missing, according to the BBC. However, local reports are now putting the death toll higher (as high as 40, and above). Government offices and schools were ordered to close today, according to Reuters.

There have been a series of at least five strong aftershocks (magnitudes 4.8, 5.6, 6.0, 5.8, 5.2) according to USGS.

Here are the specifics of the 6.7-magnitude earthquake:

Region: NEGROS- CEBU REG, PHILIPPINES
Geographic coordinates: 9.964N, 123.245E
Magnitude: 6.8 Mw
Depth: 46 km
Universal Time (UTC): 6 Feb 2012 03:49:16
Time near the Epicenter: 6 Feb 2012 11:49:16
Local standard time in your area: 6 Feb 2012 03:49:16

Location with respect to nearby cities:
70 km (44 miles) N (355 degrees) of Dumaguete, Negros, Philippines
79 km (49 miles) WNW (298 degrees) of Tagbilaran, Bohol, Philippines
80 km (50 miles) SSE (158 degrees) of Bacolod, Negros, Philippines
573 km (356 miles) SSE (154 degrees) of MANILA, Philippines

Bottom line: A 6.7 magnitude earthquake rocked the Philippines on February 6, 2012 killing at least 15 people, including two children.

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