More than 2,000 people killed, several injured

Over 2,000 people have lost their lives in Turkey and Syria following three powerful earthquakes in Turkey.

The first earthquake of magnitude 7.8 hit Turkey before sunrise, which was followed by two earthquakes of magnitudes 7.6 and 6.0 later in the day.

“India stands in solidarity with Turkey and is ready to offer all possible assistance,” PM Narendra Modi said.

Several hundred people are still believed to be trapped under the debris of buildings that were toppled in the powerful, early morning earthquake.

The biggest challenge for rescue workers is the series of aftershocks that have been rattling the swathes of Syria and Turkey since the pre-dawn tremblor.