At least 44 people were killed after an earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale jolted a central Philippines province Monday, Xinhua quoted a military official as saying.

The temblor struck the Negros Oriental province.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck at 11.49 a.m. about 70 km from the coastal city of Dumaguete on the Philippine island of Negros, CNN reported.

At least 29 people died in the Planas village and 10 in Guihulngan city due to the landslide triggered by quake, Col. Francisco Patrimonio informed reporters through a a text message. Other fatalities included two in Tayasan town, two in Bindoy and one in Jimalalud.

According to the official, the earthquake also damaged three bridges -- Matilo bridge in La Libertad town and Ayungon bridge and Dayoyo bridge in Jimalalud, IANS reported.