7.8 magnitude quake hits Turkey; 15 dead, buildings damaged

ISTANBUL: A major 7.8 magnitude earthquake has hit Turkey on Monday, damaging buildings across several cities. At least 15 people were killed and 34 buildings have collapsed. The toll is expected to rise. Rescue operations continue and the incident happened at 4.15 am (Indian time).

Tremors rattled Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Cyprus. Many buildings in these countries have been damaged.

Television images showed shocked people standing in the snow in their pyjamas, watching rescuers dig through the debris of damaged homes. Turkey is in one of the world's most active earthquake zones.