Magnitude 5.9 quake sparks stampede in Philippines

Officials say a 5.9 magnitude earthquake in the southern Philippines has caused minor damage and a mall stampede, leaving at least 23 people injured.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology chief Renato Solidum said Friday’s quake was centred 2 km off Dinagat Island near southeastern Surigao del Norte province. No tsunami alert was raised.

Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas says in the provincial capital Surigao City, 20 people were injured in a stampede at a mall packed with shoppers.

Glass panels were shattered but it was not immediately clear if they were damaged by the quake or broken by panicked shoppers.

Mr. Matugas says three were hurt in a gymnasium where a cable broke.