Earthquake of 7.8 magnitude hits Turkey, Syria; scores dead

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southeast Turkey and Syria early Monday, killing over 100 people. Tremors were also felt in Cyprus and Lebanon, causing buildings to collapse and sending residents into the snowy streets.

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake was centred about 33 kilometres from Gaziantep, a major city and provincial capital. A strong 6.7 tremor rumbled about 10 minutes later, reported AP.

Besides Gaziantep, the Turkish city of Kahramanmaras were also hit. 

According to Turkey's disaster agency, over 76 people have died and scores injured. Authorities have also declared a "level 4 alarm" that calls for international assistance.

Local Turkish media reported that several buildings tumbled down in the neighbouring provinces of Malatya, Diyarbakir and Malatya too.

Images doing rounds on social media showed people gathering around the wrecked building searching for survivors.

Rescue workers and residents using flashlights were searching through piles of tangled metal and concrete rubble in one of the stricken cities.

People on the street shouted up to others inside a partially toppled apartment building, leaning dangerously.

There were at least 6 aftershocks, and Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu urged people not to enter damaged buildings due to the risks.

He added that search and rescue teams have been dispatched to the region.