According to the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, the earthquake killed 604 people and injured 4,152 others.

The earthquakes affected much of eastern Turkey, demolishing hundreds of buildings and burying numerous victims under the rubble. Erciş, a town near Van, was hardest hit by the violent shaking; at least 55 destroyed buildings, 45 fatalities, and 156 injuries occurred in the town alone.

Most of the buildings collapsed along the town's main road and were residential, raising the possibility of a higher death toll. In smaller villages near the epicenter, the shaking demolished almost all the brick houses.

In Van city center, at least 100 people were confirmed dead, and 970 buildings collapsed in and around the city.

About 200 inmates escaped after the walls of a prison succumbed to the shaking, although 50 were quickly recaptured.

Twenty-four hours following the mainshock the death toll stood at 264 but estimates were ranged up to a thousand.

As of 25 October, rescue and aid efforts are still ongoing, as many as 40,000 people are believed to be homeless due to the considerable number of collapsed or damaged buildings.

Multiple news reports on 27 October suggest up to 2300 are injured with many still caught under rubble but this figure increased to over 4100 by 30 October.

The latest figures suggest that casualties exceed 604 and an estimated 2200 buildings are damaged or destroyed in the affected areas. The death toll was caused primarily by building collapse in urban areas. (ILKHA)