The death toll from the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck central Philippines on Tuesday night has risen to 72, according to the latest report released by the Civil Defense Agency on Thursday.
Additionally, 294 people have been reported injured, while emergency teams continue search and relief efforts in the hardest-hit areas, particularly in the central Visayas region, where all the fatalities were recorded, Reuters reports.
The earthquake was strongly felt in surrounding areas, as it struck waters near Cebu Island. As a result, power lines, bridges, residential buildings, and cultural heritage sites—including a more than 100-year-old church—suffered significant damage.
Authorities warn that the death toll may continue to rise as assessments of material damage are ongoing.
