More than 40 people are dead following yesterday’s earthquake in Negros Oriental, according to authorities and local media reports.

Military sources at the scene had confirmed 43 deaths by late last night but the search for survivors continued.

The government urged residents of Negros Oriental to “remain calm and watchful” and to cooperate with local officials after the magnitude 6.8 quake hit the area.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council head Benito Ramos said some of the dead were children pinned down by collapsed walls or fence.

Early reports said around 30 people were missing after landslides buried many houses.

The earthquake happened just before noon (0400GMT). A grade two tsunami alert was issued but was later lifted.

Power was cut off in several nearby provinces.

Authorities said aftershocks were expected from the quake, whose epicenter was traced to five km northwest of Tayasan, Negros Oriental.