Major quake hits off southern Taiwan

TAIPEI, Dec 26 (Reuters) A major earthquake struck southern Taiwan today, triggering a tsunami of up to one metre that could hit the Philippines, Japan's Meteorological Agency said.

There were no immediate reports of damage from southern Taiwan.

The US Geological Survey said the quake, which occurred at, had a magnitude of 7.1 and occurred at a depth of 10 km.

The epicentre was off the Hengchun Peninsula on the island's southern tip and 90 km south-southeast of Taiwan's second city Kaohsiung.

Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau on its Web site confirmed two earthquakes, the first of 6.7 magnitude and a second of 6.4.

Japan's Meteorological Agency said a tsunami of up to one metre might hit the Philippines.

But Philippine authorities said there was little likelihood of the tsunami reaching its shores.

''There is no reason to raise a tsunami alert because there is no threat,'' said Anthony Golez, spokesman for the government's National Disaster Coordinating Committee.

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

In Taiwan television channel TVBS reported smoke, but no fire at Chinese Petroleum Corp Talin oil refinery located near Kaohsiung.

REUTERS MS RK2000