Intense earthquake hits Philippines   ( 2003-09-01 11:15) (HK observatory)     
 A magnitude 5.3 earthquake jolted the western coast of the Philippines, the 
Hong Kong Observatory said Monday. There were no immediate reports of injuries 
or damage. 
The earthquake was centered over the South China Sea about 90 miles 
west-southwest of Manila. It hit Sunday at 8:46 p.m. in the Philippines, the 
observatory said in a statement.  
A magnitude 5 earthquake can cause considerable damage. 
 The Philippines is located in the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where earthquakes 
and volcanic activity are common. 
 A magnitude 7.7 earthquake in 1990 killed nearly 2,000 people on the main 
island of Luzon.   
 
 
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