Earthquake in the Philippines kills over 100 people

A magnitude-7.1 earthquake hit the central Philippines on Tuesday, and authorities report that the death toll is now at 144. A total of 291 people were injured, and more than 20 are still missing. The Philippines News Agency says that authorities are searching collapsed buildings to try to find missing individuals. The number of people out and about was even higher than normal, because Tuesday marked the beginning of the Muslim festival, Eid-al-Adha.

Most of the casualties happened in the Bohol province, and the U.S. Geological Survey says that the quake had a depth of 12 miles or 20 kilometers. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports that there was no threat of a tsunami though, which is always a concern with a large earthquake.

Robert Michael Poole, a tourist, reported his experience as he was riding his bike in Bohol. “It was very strong,” he said. “I live in Tokyo. I am used to earthquakes. But this one was very strong. It shocked a lot of people here.” He mentioned that he immediately noticed a huge church that was completely destroyed by the quake. “Lucky thing is that it is a holiday here today and it happened at a time when nobody was in the church,” Poole said.