Philippines earthquake: Death toll increases to 16

Rescuers found more bodies overnight in the rubble of a supermarket destroyed in a powerful earthquake that damaged buildings and an airport in northern Philippines. Officials said on Tuesday that the death toll rose to 16.

Manila: The death toll from Philippines 6.1-magnitude earthquake has increased to 16, amid ongoing efforts to rescue around 30 missing people who were trapped under a collapsed commercial centre, said authorities.

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck near the town of Gutad on Luzon island, northwest of the capital.

Nine people have been rescued from the four-storey mall in Porac that collapsed, while five people have been confirmed dead.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), 81 people have been injured.

Over 400 aftershocks were registered after the quake, most of them were of low intesity.

The quake damaged houses, roads, bridges, churches and an international airport terminal at Clark Freeport.