The earthquake caused the collapse of many buildings in several areas in Syria, leaving many people trapped under the rubble.

Thirty-six buildings collapsed in Aleppo, according to local reports.

Early on Monday, a powerful earthquake struck southern Turkey west of the city of Gaziantep at 04:17 AM TRT (01:17 UTC), causing widespread damage in Turkey and Syria.

With a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent) and a magnitude of 7.8 Mww, it is tied with the 1939 Erzincan earthquake as the strongest earthquake to hit Turkey in recorded history.

The earthquake was followed by numerous aftershocks, the strongest of which had a magnitude of 6.7 Mw.

According to initial reports, more than 640 people were killed and nearly 3,000 injured. (ILKHA)