Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said: ‘Search,rescue,and relief operations are already being prepared and will be deployed as soon as it is safe to do so.

‘We are working round the clock to ensure that help reaches everyone who needs it.

‘Let us continue to look out for one another and pray for the safety of all our countrymen.’

Students gathering outside the school buildings after an earthquake (Picture: AFP)

Students and parents rush to safe ground following an earthquake (Picture: EPA)