Massive 7.3 Earthquake Kills at Least 93 in the Philippines, Destroys Significant Churches [PHOTO + VIDEO]

A deadly 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippines Tuesday, killing at least 90 people and affecting hundreds of thousands more by damaging homes and businesses and cutting power to wide areas.

The death toll rose quickly and continues to climb as reports of damage from the various island communities in the Philippines southern region, which is home to the nation's most popular beaches. As of Tuesday morning EDT, 93 were confirmed dead, according to various media outlets.

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake struck at a depth of 56 kilometers near the town of Carmen on the island of Bohol, which is nearly 630 kilometers south of the capital Manila.

Many of the region's architecturally and historically significant churches were badly damaged, including the Church of San Pedro in Loboc, which dates to the early 17th century. The independent reporting site Earthquake Report said that a total of 10 churches were damaged in the region.

The country's oldest church, the 16th-century Basilica of the Holy Child in Cebu, lost its bell tower, according to The Associated Press.

More than 160 injuries have been reported in the quake. Damages are estimated at 4 billion Philippine pesos (about $93,000), according to Earthquake Report.

Schools and many offices were closed Tuesday because of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, a national holiday that, incidentally, may have saved lives.

No tsunami have been reported as a result of the quake, which was centered inland.