Death toll rises to 2,300 after massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake strikes Turkey and Syria; visuals surface

Ankara: A 7.8 magnitude earthquake has shaken central Turkey.

It was centered at 18 kilometers (11 miles) deep, according to the US Geological Survey. A strong 6.7 temblor rumbled later.

A strong 6.7 temblor rumbled about 10 minutes later. Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management agency, AFAD, said the quake measured 7.4 and was centred in the town of Pazarcik, in Kahramanmaras province.

Several buildings tumbled down in the neighbouring provinces of Malatya, Diyarbakir and Malatya, HaberTurk television reported. There was no immediate reports on casualties.

Over 2,300 feared dead in Turkey, Syria

As per latest reports, around 2,300 people are reportedly dead due to the devastating damage caused by the quake.

In Beirut and Damascus, buildings shook and many people went down to the streets. '5 people were killed in the earthquake in Turkey, 16 buildings collapsed' said Sanliurfa Mayor earlier in the morning.

As per initial reports, at least 15 people were dead due to the horrifying quake. Further reports stated at least 53 people died in Turkey and another 42 were so far reported killed in Syria by a major 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey’s southeast region, Turkish officials and Syrian state media say. The toll could to climb higher due to the heavy damage after multiple building collapsed due to strong tremors.

Earthquake was also felt in Lebanon and Syria

Turkey sits on top of major fault lines and is frequently shaken by earthquakes. The earthquake was also felt in Lebanon and Syria.

Syria's state media reported that some buildings collapsed in the northern city of Aleppo and the central city of Hama.

In Syria's rebel-held northwest that borders Turkey several buildings collapsed, according to the opposition's Syrian civil Defence.