TOKYO - A powerful earthquake off the coast of Taiwan caused a 3-foot-high tsunami that is headed for the east coast of Philippines, Japan’s Meteorogical Agency said Tuesday.

“There is a possibility of a destructive local tsunami,” the bureau said, saying waves were expected to hit Basco in the Philippines.

Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau said the quake measured magnitude 6.7, while the U.S. Geological Survey put it at magnitude 7.2.

No damage or injuries were immediately reported.

Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau said the quake was located at a depth of 13 miles. Its epicentre was west-southwest of the Hengchun Peninsula on the island’s southern tip.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said no Pacific-wide tsunami was expected, although a local tsunami was possible.

The quake was felt throughout Taiwan, the bureau said. It swayed buildings and knocked objects off the shelves in the capital, Taipei.

The tremor was centered at sea about 13 miles southwest of Hengchun on the southern tip of Taiwan, the bureau said.

Hengchun is about 260 miles south of Taipei.

???? what the **** is that comment supposed to mean?

Guys before this gets out of hand, I've already reported him to the MODS, lets foucus on the bigger picture, the Tsunami. And hope people are safe.

I agree, Derwin .......... I just read that the big tsunami that made that much victims was just 2 yrs ago from today ...... let's hope that history doesn't repeat itself

Agreed, I'm back and forth on CNN,BBC, and a few other news stations. Too early to tell if anything bad has happened.

Joke's on you 5555.

You're banned.

Did I miss sth ??? ?

Derwin, may I apologize on part of some appearently lesser equipped individuals...I guess they will live about 5 mins. here and that's it...! Merry Christmas :-)

Thanks Derwin for the update!

The tsunami alert has been cancelled.

But scary that such an event would happen on exactly the 2nd anniversary of the tsunami that killed so many thousands in Asia!

Yup !! i saw this news on Tv too ..earthquake off the coast of Taiwan ...

In thailand we have 2nd tsunami and still have badly news about Big wave at Andaman side beach...

Hope everyone is safe.

I'm in the Philippines for a vacation... but everything here seems to be normal

good lookin out Bro !! Hope your having a safe and happy holiday !!!!

Hopefully it seems not dangerous at the moment, I've a friend in Tapei and they had a big fear, but no injuries. The 26/12 looks to have some kind of strange importance in the history :S

Good luck to the people there and thanks to you for reporting!

good move loburt!

Not to keep bring it up. I see you banned the guy for his commment. I personaly think the comment should be removed from the journal. Not sure if removing the post is possible without lifting the whole journal. My 2 cents.

Good report ja. Thx.

HangoutBkkcool: CocaBrother has the ability to remove the offending comment from his own journal if he so wishes. It's up to him.

tsunami during christmas again... maybe god is trying to say something...