Magnitude 7.2 quake off southern Taiwan - USGS

TAIPEI, Dec 26 (Reuters) A magnitude 7.2 quake struck off southern Taiwan today, the US Geological Survey said on its Web site, but there were no immediate reports of damage.

Britain's Sky News, quoting Japan's Meteorological Agency, said the quake had triggered a tsunami heading for the Philippines.

Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau said the quake measured 6.7 and was located at a depth of 22 km. 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.

REUTERS MS KN1850