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Second powerful earthquake strikes Philippines same day

5.9 quake follows 7.1 quake
AP Photo/Chester Baldicantos
AP Photo/Chester Baldicantos

TOKYO, October 15. (Itar-Tass) - A 5.9 earthquake shook southern part of Philippines, U.S. Geological Service reported.

The epicenter was located in 20 kilometers below ocean floor near the South-West shore of the Bohol island.

Earlier on Tuesday a 7.1 earthquake claimed at least 73 people in Philippines; over 100 were left injured.

According to national agency for liquidation of natural disaster aftermath, victims were on Bohol, Siba and Siquijor islands. Several churches and administrative buildings collapsed; dozens of houses were damaged. Over 4 million people live in the affected regions.Eye witnesses reported tremors 15-20 seconds long.

Russia’s embassy to the country told Itar-Tass that no information on Russian citizens was reported. “We are gathering information regarding this issue and waiting replies on our requests,” the diplomatic mission said.

The first earthquake happened around 8am local time. Its epicenter was located 33 kilometers under Bohol island, hence there was no tsunami threat. Initially it’s magnitude was evaluated at 7.4, then it was downgraded to 7.1.