Philippine quake death toll climbs above 70

The death toll in the Philippine earthquake has risen to 73, authorities say.

(File: AAP)

Seventy-three people have been confirmed killed in a powerful earthquake that struck the central Philippines, authorities say.

At least 57 people died on the island of Bohol, where the 7.1-magnitude quake's epicentre struck on Tuesday, according to Bohol police chief Senior Superintendent Dennis Agustin.

The national disaster agency had previously reported 16 deaths on the neighbouring islands of Cebu and Siquijor.