At least 400 people have been reportedly killed, scores of displaced persons and about 2,000 others injured in Turkey and Syria after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southern Turkey early Monday.
With a rising death toll, the earthquake is one of the strongest to hit Turkey in more than 100 years.
The earthquake sent tremors across the region that caused buildings to collapse.
Multiple aftershocks were felt in Cyprus, Lebanon, and Israel.
The earthquake came as the middle eastern country is experiencing a snowstorm that is expected to continue until Thursday.
Rescue teams are carrying out a frantic search for survivors trapped under chunks of concrete in cities and towns across Turkey and Syria.
Videos shared on social media showed dozens of collapsed buildings, while frightened residents huddled on the darkened streets amid the chaos.
Turkish President Recep Erdogan said the quake was felt in many parts of the country.
“I convey my best wishes to all our citizens who were affected by the earthquake that occurred in Kahramanmaraş and was felt in many parts of our country. All our relevant units are on alert under the coordination of AFAD,” Erdogan said.
“Our search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the areas affected by the earthquake. Our Ministry of Interior and Health, AFAD, Governorships, and all other institutions started their work rapidly.
“We hope that we will get through this disaster together as soon as possible and with the least damage, and we continue our work.”
Experts have predicted more deaths in the coming days.
