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LEAD: Strong quake strikes central Philippines
Feb 6, 2012, 5:19 GMT
Manila - A strong earthquake jolted central Philippine islands Monday, causing damage to buildings and prompting authorities to issue a tsunami alert.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the preliminary magnitude of the quake was 6.9 and was felt at the strongest intensity of 7 on the central island of Negros.
Government seismologist Ishmael Narag said the institute has received initial reports of damage to structures but no details.
'This is a rather big event so we expect damage to occur,' she said, adding that the institute has issued a tsunami alert.
'Residents should be on alert for unusual waves and should stay away from the shoreline,' she added.
Government offices and school classes were suspended in Iloilo province, where people rushed out of buildings during the quake, according to local officials.
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