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More than 600 people have been killed and thousands of others injured in Turkey and Syria after a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit southern Turkey early Monday.
The quake, one of the strongest to hit the region in more than 100 years, struck 23 kilometers (14.2 miles) east of Nurdagi, Gaziantep province, at a depth of 24.1 kilometers (14.9 miles), the US Geological Survey said.
Multiple strong aftershocks have been felt across the region, including as far away as Lebanon and Israel.
Turkey's disaster agency appealed for help from the international community as it conducts search and rescue operations.
Political leaders react to deadly earthquake
A chorus of global leaders have sent messages of solidarity after a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake ripped through Turkey early Monday, killing at least 670 people across Turkey and neighboring Syria.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance is in "full solidarity" with Turkey.
"Full solidarity with our Ally #Türkiye in the aftermath of this terrible earthquake. I am in touch with President @RTErdogan and Foreign Minister @MevlutCavusoglu, and #NATO Allies are mobilizing support now," he said in a tweet Monday.
European Union top diplomat Josep Borrell said the bloc is "ready to help," after Monday's quake.
"Devastating earthquake rocked Türkiye and Syria this morning, claiming the lives of hundreds of people and injuring many more. Our thoughts are with the people of Türkiye and Syria. The EU is ready to help," Borrell said.
The President of the European Council Charles Michel sent his "deepest condolences" to the victims of the disaster.
"Deeply saddened to hear this morning about the devastating earthquake hitting parts of Türkiye and Syria. My deepest condolences to the many families that lost lives and wishing a fast recovery of the injured. The EU stands in full solidarity with you," he tweeted Monday.
The President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen said support from Europe "is already on the way."
"We stand in full solidarity with the people of Türkiye and Syria after the deadly earthquake that hit this morning. We mourn with the families of the victims. Europe’s support is already on the way and we stand ready to continue helping in any way we can," she said in a tweet Monday.
Death toll from earthquake surpasses 600
At least 670 people have been reported dead in Turkey and Syria after Monday's huge 7.8 magnitude earthquake.
In Syria, at least 386 people have died, including 239 mostly in the regions of Aleppo, Hama, Latakia and Tartus, Syrian state TV reported.
The "White Helmets" group, officially known as the Syria Civil Defense, also reported at least 147 deaths in opposition-controlled areas of northwestern Syria.
Hundreds more people were also injured following the earthquake, with 648 wounded in Aleppo, Hama, Latakia and Tartus, Syrian state TV reported. Another 340 injuries were also reported in opposition-controlled areas, White Helmets added.
In Turkey, at least 284 people have died and more than 2,323 people have been injured, Turkey's Vice President Fuat Oktay said earlier.
Azerbaijan to send search and rescue team to Turkey
Azerbaijan will send a search and rescue team of 370 people and aid material to Turkey following the powerful earthquake that struck the south of the country on Monday morning, Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu reported.
A plane carrying aid, including tents and medical supplies, will depart for Turkey "in a short time," Anadolu said.
The Netherlands earlier said it will send a search and rescue team to Turkey after the country's disaster agency asked the international community for help.
