Deadly 6.8 Quake Rocks Philippines

A powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake shook the central Philippines today, killing at least 42 people and triggering a local tsunami alert. Houses were buried, windows were shattered, and walls were cracked by the shaker, causing panicked residents to flee their homes, schools, offices, and stores. The quake struck in a narrow strait just off Negros Island, triggering landslides. At least 29 people were missing in the city of Guihulngan, where some 30 houses were buried, reports AP.

"Their situation is bad because if you are covered by landslide for one hour, two hours, how can you breathe?" asked the local mayor. "We hope for the best, that there are still survivors." Nearly 45 aftershocks have already been recorded, keeping people from returning to their homes. (More Philippines stories.)