A massive 7.3 earthquake has hit the Philippines – triggering fears of a tsunami.

According to Daily Star UK, the quake struck in the Celebes Sea at a depth of 617km (380 miles), the US Geological Survey said.

The Philippine lies in the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where earthquakes and volcanic activities are common.

A magnitude 7.7 quake killed nearly 2,000 people on the northern island of Luzon in 1990.

But one journalist said he felt "no significant tremor" in Jolo northwest of where the quake struck.

It comes amid fears of a series of huge earthquakes hitting California, US, plunging the region into panic over New Year.

The same town was rocked by 250 shakers – sparking fears of a chain reacton which could lead to an earthquake with a magnitude of eight or bigger.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) said there is "no tsunami threat" following today's undersea quake in the Philippines because it is located too deep.

Just five days ago, a smaller 4.7 magnitude tremor also hit the Philippines.