7.4-magnitude quake hits southern Turkey

At least 280 people have been reported killed and 2300 others injured, after a powerful 7.4 earthquake struck Türkiye's southern provinces, officials said.

Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said that the 7.4 magnitude quake struck at 4:17 am and was centred in Pazarcik district of Kahramanmaras Province on Monday.

The quake occurred at a depth of 7 kilometres.

It was followed by magnitude 6.4 and 6.5 quakes that struck southeastern Gaziantep province.

The quake also destroyed 710 buildings.

Another shallow 6.7-magnitude quake occurred near the site of the first about 15 minutes after.

The initial quake was also felt in neighbouring countries of Lebanon and Syria.

At least 237 deaths were also reported in Syria, according to state media citing the health ministry. More than 630 people were also reported injured.

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

The quake jolted residents from their beds, shaking buildings for about 40 seconds. Many residents of Beirut left their homes and took to the streets or drove in their cars away from buildings.

The earthquake came as the Middle East is experiencing a snowstorm that is expected.

Türkiye sits on top of major fault lines and is frequently shaken by earthquakes.