VIENTIANE, April 18 (Xinhua) -- An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.6 struck northern Laos' Phongsaly province on Friday morning, with no casualties or property damage reported.

According to a report from the Lao National Earthquake Data Information Center, the earthquake hit Yord Ou district in Phongsaly province, some 750 km north of Lao capital Vientiane, at 09:40 a.m. local time, with the epicenter located at 21.995 degrees north latitude and 101.655 degrees east longitude, and at a depth of 10 km.

Local authorities are closely monitoring seismic activity in the area and will provide ongoing updates.

They have also urged the public to stay alert and follow the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for further information. ■