Philippine earthquake death toll rises to 156

MANILA - The death toll from a recent powerful earthquake in central Philippines jumped to 156 while 22 others were still missing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Thursday.

According to the state agency, 144 who perished came from Bohol, where the epicenter of the magnitude 7.2 earthquake was located, 11 from Cebu and one from Siquijor.

There were 374 individuals who were injured, it said, adding that displaced families continued to swell to over 9,000 or more than 47,000 persons. Most of the displaced families were housed in 61 evacuation centers.

Initial estimate of the damages on roads, bridges and flood control in Bohol and Cebu amounted to 75 million pesos ($1.7 million dollars).

As of 5:00 am local time, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded 1,213 aftershocks, 24 of which were felt.