Turkey: Growing to 14 the Dead

According to the Authority for Disaster and Emergency Management in Turkey (AFAD), the earthquake has hit the Sivrice District in Elazig, about 20 and 55 minutes (17:55, according to the time there), from a depth of 6.7 km.

Immediately after the initial earthquake, the province has been shaken again from a series of escorts of between 3.3 and 5.4.

According to the first reports, the quake has been experienced as far south as Adana and Samsun, north, along the border with Syria and Iraq.

Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu has initially claimed four people have lost their lives in the earthquake, but the number has since risen to fourteen, following confirmation by the AFADić.

Soylu has made it known that there are reports of injuries from the ground, but he didn't mention any numbers. The minister has also announced that many buildings have collapsed or suffered damage after the powerful earthquake.

Governors of Elazigo and Malta have said hundreds of people have suffered earthquake injuries. At least 225 people were injured in Elazig, Governor Cetin Oktai Kaldirim has announced. Meanwhile, in nearby Malatia, 45 people have been hurt after the earth's powerful quakes, Governor Aydin Barus has indicated.

National Defence Minister Hulus Akar has said that the Turkish military is willing to act if asked to.

Shortly after the quake, officials have said that hundreds of trucks with aid including food, medicine, covers and tents have headed for Elazigu and nearby provinces.

Thousands of search and rescue teams and medical teams have also been sent to this area.