New Delhi, Oct. 1 -- The death toll from 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit The Philippines on Tuesday rose to at least 69 on Wednesday, with authorities continuing search and rescue operations to find survivors.

One of the strongest earthquakes to hit the island nation in a decade, the shallow quake struck off the coast of the island of Cebu, damaging buildings and cutting off power in the region.

As many as 150 people are said be injured, while the hospital in Bogo City near the quake's epicentre has been 'overwhelmed', Reuters reported.

The Philippines lies in the ominously named 'Pacific Ring of Fire' where earthquakes and volcanic activity are fairly common due to tectonic activity.

However, while Tuesday's quake and the devastati...