This is the dramatic moment children hid under desks as a deadly earthquake struck a gaming cafe in the Philippines.

CCTV footage shows the youngsters playing computer games when the tremors struck Cebu City, prompting them - along with a neighbour who had just entered the shop - to duck beneath the tables for safety.

The panicked group was seen covering their heads and appearing to pray as the violent shaking continued, briefly causing the lights to flicker on September 30.

Philippine seismological agency PHIVOLCS said the earthquake struck Cebu province at 9:59 pm local time, at a depth of 5 kilometres (3 miles).

Authorities reported at least 72 dead and around 300 injured, adding the numbers may rise as rescue teams reach collapsed buildings.

The earthquake triggered widespread power outages and flattened buildings, including a government hall and a century-old church.

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said: 'I am already in touch with national agencies and the Office of the President to ask for reinforcements.'

Cebu is a popular tourist destination and a major economic hub in the country's Visayas region.

The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands inside the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' where the majority of Earth's volcano eruptions and earthquakes happen.