UNITED States and Australia on Wednesday sent their sympathies to the victims of the magnitude-7.2 earthquake that devastated Visayas on Tuesday.
"The US extends our deepest condolences for the tragic loss of life and injuries as well as damage caused by the earthquake in Bohol, Philippines. America has always stood by the Philippines in times of need and we do so now," a statement from the US Embassy in Manila said.
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell, on the other hand, extended his government's "heartfelt sympathies" for the loss of lives and destruction caused by the earthquake.
"The Australian government is working with our partners, including in the Philippine government, to obtain more information on the extent of damage caused," its embassy in Manila said.
The powerful earthquake hits central Philippines on Tuesday morning, killing at least 107 people and damaging some of the oldest buildings and facades in the tourist-heavy city of Cebu and Bohol.
The earthquake struck the island of Bohol at about 8:12 a.m., the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.
Officials said that although the quake was centered in Bohol, Cebu experienced more deaths because it has a bigger population.
The quake heavily damaged some of the oldest churches in the city, including the iconic Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu, which was founded in 1565.
Aside from churches, a mall and a hospital were also damaged during the quake.
Officials warned the residents of the two cities to stay out of buildings because of the possible aftershocks, as well as landslides that may occur at any moment.
The Philippines is in the Pacific Rim of Fire, where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruption occurs. (CVB/Sunnex)