BREAKING NEWS

Ya Libnan, Beirut (10:37)

This is a breaking news announcement.

A major earthquake has been reported in Lebanon's southern regions, centred around the border city of Tyre. It is estimated to have had a magnitude of between 5.5 and 6.5 on the Richter scale.

There is as yet no word of casualties. Modest damage has been reported to buildings, but the fear of aftershocks has caused people to flee to the streets in panic.

The local chieftan, Sheikh Ahmed ali Halwezi, has placed Hezbollah's militia on standby in the region to coordinate the flow of refugees and aid, and to provide general security.

Updates will follow.