A strong earthquake rattled buildings in the Philippine capital region as it hit the country's largest island on Wednedsay.

Footage shows light fixtures swinging inside an apartment in Makati City in Metro Manila on July 27.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said the quake struck at 8:43 am local time three kilometres west-northwest of Tayum municipality in Abra province. It was recorded at a depth of 25 kilometres.

It was earlier pegged at a magnitude of 7.3, but was later downgraded to 7.0.

The earthquake was also felt in northern provinces and the capital region Metro Manila.

In a statement, Abra Representative Ching Bernos said the tremors had damaged homes and buildings in the province.

She said: 'I urge everyone to stay alert and to prioritize safety in light of the possibilities of aftershocks that might be felt after that strong earthquake. We are monitoring the situation on the ground and gathering information on the extent of the damage to the province.

'My office is also actively coordinating with proper authorities on what can be done to assist families and communities that were severely affected by this earthquake.'

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos said in a televised press conference that the death toll has risen to four, while 60 more people were injured.