The death toll from the devastating earthquake that hit the Province of Cebu of the Philippines has risen to 72, according to the latest figures from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council released on Thursday morning, GMA News reports.

The magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Bogo City, Cebu on Tuesday has affected 47,221 families, or 170,959, and displaced 20,000 persons, according to their data.

Some buildings were destroyed by the tremors, local authorities said.

Government agencies are working to restore infrastructure and provide relief to the region's population, while the Bureau of Fire Protection is conducting search and rescue operations, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.