Twin quakes strike islands in northern Philippines

MANILA (AFP) - Two earthquakes struck an island group in the far north of the Philippines early on Saturday (July 27), with initial reports indicating damage and injuries.

Both tremors hit the province of Batanes, a group of sparsely populated islets north of the nation's largest Luzon island.

The quakes - of magnitude 5.4 and 5.9 - struck within hours of each other, according to the US Geological Survey. No tsunami alerts were issued.
[link to www.straitstimes.com (secure)]