Earthquake: Death toll rises to 1300 in Turkey and Syria

The dreadful earthquake of 7.8 magnitude that hit southern Turkey and northern Syria in the early hours of Monday has claimed at least 1300 lives, AP reported. Hundreds of people are still believed to be trapped beneath the rubble, as rescue efforts continue.

More than 1,700 buildings were damaged across 10 Turkish cities, an American broadcaster reported citing the country's Vice President Fuat Oktay.

One of the largest earthquakes to hit Turkey in more than a century, it caused vibrations throughout the area, collapsed buildings, and forced people to flee into the streets.

Also Read: Rajasthan: Government flats available for rent for Rs 300/month

According to the United States Geological Survey, the quake was centered about 33 kilometers (20 miles) from Gaziantep, a major city and provincial capital.

Condolences poured in from worldwide after the massive quake hit Turkey claiming numerous lives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and condoled the loss of life in the massive earthquake that rattled Turkey and nearby areas and claimed more than 100 lives.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Twitter that "search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched" to the areas hit by the quake.

Moreover, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also tweeted and expressed grief over the loss of lives in the tragic earthquake that jolted both Turkey and Syria.

"Deeply distressed by the loss of lives and damage in the earthquake in Turkiye," he wrote on Twitter as he conveyed his support to his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu.

The US National Security Advisor also took to Twitter and assured Turkey of timely assistance for the quake-hit country to cope well. Videos circulating on social media showed multiple collapsed buildings in Turkey and Syria with terrified locals huddling on the streets.Several provinces in Southern Turkey also reported the loss of lives. There were reports of destroyed buildings in Turkey and Syria, where tremors also were felt.

Multiple aftershocks followed the quake.