Philippine quake death toll climbs to 73

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

(AAP)

At least 57 people died on the island of Bohol, where the 7.1-magnitude quake's epicentre struck, 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.