Major quake rocks Philippines capital

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.6 shook Manila, the Philippines capital, tonight, swaying high rise buildings swaying, knocking out power and sending frightened residents fleeing into the streets.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The shaking lasted for more than a minute and was felt in provinces north of Manila on the main Philippine island of Luzon.

The US Geological Survey in Colorado said on its Web site the preliminary magnitude was 6.6.

A magnitude 6 quake can cause severe damage.

The Philippines is along the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where earthquakes and volcanic activity are common.

A magnitude 6.2 quake shook Manila and surrounding areas of Luzon three weeks ago.

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake in 1990 killed nearly 2,000 people on Luzon.