As the death toll from one of the worst earthquakes to hit Turkey in 100 years surpassed 500 people, rescuers are frantically searching for survivors buried in rubble on either side of the Turkey-Syrian border.
Iran (IMNA) - Nearly 3,000 people were hurt when the 7.8-magnitude earthquake jolted them out of their beds at 4 a.m. Monday, sending aftershocks as far away as Lebanon.
The day dawned over the rows of fallen buildings in Turkey, with flats exposed to the elements and people huddled together to beat the bone-chilling conditions, waiting for aid.
According to the US Geological Survey, the quake had a magnitude of 7.8 and struck around 33 kilometers from the large city of Gaziantep. A significant aftershock hit 10 minutes later, followed by a succession of minor shocks.
Buildings fell in the Turkish provinces of Malatya and Diyarbakir, as well as in the Syrian towns of Aleppo and Hama.
According to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, search and rescue teams have been despatched to impacted districts.
Kanaani, a spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, extended Iran's heartfelt sympathy to the Turkish and Syrian people and governments for the losses and damages caused by the tragic earthquake that struck southeast Turkey and northern Syria early Monday.
Pictures: Bloomberg, Thenationalnews, Ahram online
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