A strong earthquake hit south-eastern Turkey, near the border with Syria, in the wee hours of Monday killing scores of people.
According to a report by the US Geological Survey, a strong earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale occurred at 04:17 local time near Gaziantep, a significant city in the Anatolia region, at a depth of about 18 kilometres.
The southeastern regions experienced numerous aftershocks shortly after the initial earthquake, which added to the damage.
Local authorities stated that rescue efforts are in progress while damage was reported in several regions of Turkey. The tremors, which were felt in Cyprus, Lebanon, and Syria, greatly alarmed the populace.
People are reportedly trapped under the rubble of several collapsed buildings.
In Syria, reports suggest that at least 11 people have died in the northwestern town, while casualties are rising as injured were shifted to medical facilities.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey, stated on social media
